ANALYSIS OF DRUG SPECIMEN
1.Qualitative Analysis
2.Quantitative Analysis
Steps in Conducting
Qualitative Analysis
1. Physical Test
- this kind of test is performed by
describing the physical properties
of a specimen by ocular
inspection, weighing, or through
microscopic examination
2. Chemical (Color Test)
- in the chemical test, a specific reagent
or series of reagents is used for a
presumptive test. Color reaction is
expected to occur in order to determine
the presence of a dangerous drug.
Example: Simon’s Test, Marquis Test,
etc.
Chemistry of Color Formation
Chemistry of Color Formation
-the ability or capacity of a substance to absorb
or not absorb light depends on its chemical
properties.
-a change in chemical properties can result in a
change in color.
-a chemical reaction is any process that results in
chemical change.
1. A screening reagent removes an
electron directly from the test
compound
2. A screening reagent adds an
unpaired electron directly to the test
compound.
3. A screening reagent complexes
directly to the test compound.
EHRLICH TEST (p-DMBA,
DMAB)
4. A screening reagent bridges
two or more test compounds.
MARQUIS’ TEST
Colorimetric spot test for drugs in a spot plate
Chemical Color Tests
1. Marquis’ Test
2. Nitric Acid Test
3. Duquenois – Levine Test
4. Mayer’s Test
5. Dille – Koppanyi Test
6. Cobalt Thiocyanate Test
7. HCl Test
8. Mandelin Test
9. Mecke Test
10. FeCl3 Test
Confirmatory Test
1.Thin Layer Chromatography
(TLC)
2.Spectrometry
3.Gas Chromatography-Mass
Spectrometry
Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)
- This type of test requires the
comparison of Rf between the
specimen in question and the
standard
*Rf (retention in time value)
A TLC Result of an Analyzed
Marijuana Sample
Spectrometry
• Ultraviolet Spectroscopy (UV)
• Infrared Spectroscopy (IR)
Ultraviolet Spectroscopy (UV)
• Ultraviolet Spectroscopy (UV) offers
conclusive proof for the positive
identification of drugs because other
materials could produce an
indistinguishable spectrum.
Infrared Spectroscopy (IR)
• Can specifically identify the
substance. The IR pattern is
unique to each compound and can
be considered as being analogous
to the fingerprint of the
compound being examined.
Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry
• is an analytical method that combines the
features of gas-chromatography and mass
spectrometry to identify different
substances within a test sample.
Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry
• Applications of GC-MS
include drug detection, fire investi
gation, explosives investigation,
and identification of unknown
samples.
GC-MS Machine
Reporting
A complete laboratory report should be able to indicate
all the necessary information, which includes the
following:
1. Specimen submitted and its description
2. Time and Date at which the specimen was
received by the authorized personnel
3. Data about the suspect
4. The name of the Requesting Party
5. Findings and Conclusions
6. Time and Date at which the Analysis was
completed
7. Name and Signature of the Examining Officer
and the Approving Officer
Testing for the Presence of DMA
Drug Test via Urine Sample
- here, the drug test uses a Marquis reagent in
order to obtain a positive result for users of
amphetamine and methamphetamine during the
screening test.
Single Use: 1 – 3 days
Heavy Use: 3 – 5 days
Hair Testing
- generally uses the most recent 1.5 inch of hair
growth, which provides a detection period of
approximately 90 days.
Results of Marquis Test and Interpretation
Color Substance Present
• No Reaction • Does Not Contain MDMA,
MDEA, MDA
• Dark Purple to Black • Either MDMA, MDEA, MDA,
DXM or opiates
• Dark Gray • DXM will emit a small amount
of smoke
• Either DOM or DOB
• Bright Yellow
• Either speed or
• Bright Orange
methamphetamine is present
Metabolism of Drugs
Methamphetamine Amphetamine
Heroin Morphine
Aspirin Salicylic acid
Diazepam Ozepam
Ecstacy Amphetamine
(Redox)
Validity Test in Urine Samples
Performing a validity test on a urine
sample helps determine the integrity
of a sample.
1. To analyze unobserved urine
collection
2. To determine whether a urine
sample that has been submitted has
been tampered.
Forms of Specimen Tampering
1. Dilution
- Internal
- External
2. Substitution
3. Adulteration
Parameters for Validity Tests
• Physical Characteristics
• Volume
• Temperature
• pH levels
• Specific gravity
• Nitrites
• Creatinine level
• Oxidizing agents
