ODV field testing is a PRESUMPTIVE test used to aid the officer in developing
probable cause to support the apprehension of suspects and confiscation of many
common drugs of abuse.
Using an ODV test in the field is only part of the process necessary to make a
seizure. Employing “best police practices” is always a must; the user/officer must
have strong investigative information before conducting a field drug test Utilizing
environmental markers (activity,
(activity surroundings,
surroundings actions,
actions etc.)
etc ) is necessary to build
probable cause for testing. Simply approaching someone and doing a test will
probably not stand up in court.
It is also important to understand that there are proper procedures involved in the actual use of the test kits. Deviating from these protocols will give an inconclusive answer or may put the officer or observers at risk.
2
Field tests are often misinterpreted as being the probable cause or to establish
probable cause. Instead, field testing is designed simply as confirmation of probable
cause. You must have already established some form of probable cause (offer for
sale, looks like, priced like, offered as a particular substance) prior to starting your
testing procedures.
The use of specific tests for specific substances will assist in the elimination of false
positive reactions
reactions. The use of general screening tests like the Marquis Reagent
should be kept to a minimum and for specific instances only.
The other areas of correct color interpretation, safety precautions and disposal
techniques will all be dealt with while discussing the various specific field tests and
their correct use.
3
The ODV testing system utilizes the same chemical tests as found in crime
laboratory chemical analysis sections throughout the world. The difference is that
the laboratories mix their chemicals in volume and do their tests in spot wells and
the ODV system mixes the same chemicals and places them in small ampoules for
use in the field and do the testing in closed pouches.
A positive predictable color change is only a presumed positive result for the
suspected compound
compound. In no way should the test results be considered a
confirmation of identification. Many chemicals, either man-made or natural could
produce a positive indication for the presence of an illicit substance. In drug
investigation situations, those compounds do not naturally present themselves in
the investigation and are not generally worried about.
All test results, positive or negative, should be confirmed by the crime laboratory.
4
The ODV system utilizes a series of colorimetric testing chemicals to rapidly class
and presumptively identify unknown illicit compounds. This system is not infallible,
but is designed to give the investigating officer a solid basis to the results to aid in
the investigation. As stated in previous slides, the ODV system is only one
component of the “police procedure” for the determination of the likelihood of the
presence of illicit narcotics.
5
When narcotic field testing was originally established, dropper bottle systems similar
to the one shown were used to test substances. Technicians would take a small
amount of the suspected substance and place it into a Petri dish or test tube, then
introduce one, two or three drops of the various chemicals from the dropper bottles.
Depending on the color reactions obtained, they could determine whether a
substance was present.
Because of safety concerns (splash back from the bottles
bottles, inaccurate measuring
methods or violent reactions), agencies have determined that these open systems
are not safe and cause a liability problem for the individual agencies. These
systems tended to be non-specific and dangerous. In addition, they have a limited
shelf life, usually between 6 months to 1 year. For these reasons, it is
recommended to always use a closed system, which is acceptable by OSHA.
6
Closed systems are by definition field tests which have a secured closure top.
The two forms of field tests meeting this criteria are the pouches (NarcoPouch) or
the tubes (NarcoTest) . These tests are substance specific and more officer friendly.
There is no measuring required which makes the test accurate. To take the
guesswork out of the testing procedure, the proper chemicals are already loaded
into ampoules inside the pouches or tubes. They also maintain an unlimited shelf
life assuming proper storage techniques
techniques. For these reasons
reasons, the closed systems
have been accepted by OSHA for agency use.
7
All chemical field tests are manufactured using a combination of various solvents or
reagents.
By definition, a solvent is a substance generally a liquid, capable of dissolving other
substances. However, a simpler way to remember solvents is that they simply
DISSOLVE.
Reagents are solutions usually comprised of strong acids and various salts which
are used for testing purposes and to bring about chemical reactions. In simpler
terms, a reagent REACTS.
8
ODV test chemicals are manufactured to exacting conditions and packaged in the
ampoules
l with
ith an appropriate
i t cover gas tto ensure th
the llongevity
it off th
the chemicals.
h i l
But mother nature being what she is, not all chemicals will remain in a mixed useful
state forever. The proper storage of the chemicals will prolong any natural
breakdown of the chemicals and give results for many years.
ODV recommends, however, to protect from the event of a chemical breakdown,
that any test be used within 5 years of purchase. In addition, we recommend that
the user not buy more than they can use in a period of one year and that they rotate
their stock as if the test were groceries (newest stock to the rear, oldest to the front).
This will keep a supply of fresh chemicals available to the investigator at any time.
Some tests are affected by exposure to direct light, whether it be incandescent or
sunlight. This degradation by light is only facilitated by long term exposure, not by
exposure during the testing process. The protect the tests from light, the tests
should be kept in their original boxes or packaging. In addition, the tests should
stored at room temperature.
Tests that are stored in car trunks or dashes will risk the chance of degradation.
Prolonged exposure to high heat will cause the chemicals to break down and
become useless. Short term exposure during the testing process will not cause the
tests harm. However, when the day is done, the tests should be returned to the
office for storage. Exposure to cold temperatures will not effect the composition of
the chemicals in the ampoules.
9
Because some of the color changes happen quickly, users should give the test their
complete and undivided attention. Most results occur within 10-20 seconds.
Changes slower than that should be noted and considered in the determination of
the results.
Testing in colder climates will cause some of the color reactions to change slowly.
Since test results are pretty immediate, a slower change could be confusing if it is
not understood that colder climes may affect the results
results.
Likewise, warmer climates will cause the reactions to change quicker. If color shifts
are expected in the testing procedure, they could occur quicker and not be noticed if
the user is distracted. If those color shifts are missed, an erroneous result will occur.
10
The ODV test pouch is comprised of several components:
• Plastic Pouch – protective pouch used to contain the chemical ampoules
• Safety Clip – small plastic clip used to keep the pouch closed and to protect the
user from an accidental chemical spill
• Color Standard – a quick visual identifier of colors and substances that the test is
designed to test for
11
• Protective Harness – plastic sleeve inserted inside pouch to hold up to 3
ampoules. In addition, the harness provides an additional layer of protection to the
user from accidental injury
• Glass Ampoules – thin-walled glass that contains solvents and reagents that
produce the color changes
12
The correct procedure for breaking the ampoules is as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Face the writing toward you.
Pinch the middle of the harness, breaking the ampoule.
Do not double crush the ampoule as injury may occur.
When the ampoule is broken, the liquid will be released from the ampoule when
the pouch is agitated and will mix with the substance.
5 Do not pinch the top or bottom of the ampoule as the glass is thicker there and
5.
may cause injury.
13
To mix the chemistry with the sample hold the pouch with thumb and forefinger and
with the finger of the other hand gently flick the bottom of the pouch back and forth
mixing the liquid. Do not mix violently as the substance will disperse around the
pouch.
After agitating, let the mixture settle to the bottom of the pouch and observe the
color change.
14
Before conducting the test, the user should consult the ODV color chart or test
pouch to become familiar with the expected color change.
When observing the color changes, three things are important.
1. The color that is produced: is it the expected color, or something different?
2. I a color shift expected? If so, did it occur and in what timeframe?
3. If a color layering is expected, did it happen and did it happen correctly?
An exact color hue match is not necessary. Depending on the strength of the
substance tested the value of the color may vary. Cutting agents and other
impurities may cause the hue to change. It must be noted that a change of hue of
the expected colors is not indicative of the strength of the substance being tested.
ODV colorimetric tests cannot test for purity, only presence of a substance.
15
ODV tests are manufactured in safety pouches for a reason. Inside the tests are
strong chemicals: acids, bases, and mixtures. Some of these chemicals can cause
contact burns to the skin or may cause serious injury to the eyes or mucosal lining
of the mouth and nose. For these reasons all precautions should be taken when
using the tests.
It is highly recommended that the user wear gloves when conducting the tests. This
will protect the user from any chemical burns and will also protect them from the
compounds that they are testing.
The pouches should always be pointed away from the user’s face and the faces of
those standing around observing. In the event that a substance has a violent
reaction to the chemicals in the test the pouch could open and spew the contents
toward surrounding personnel, resulting in injury.
When using the test, if pressure or heat build up inside the pouch, simply remove
the safety clip from the top of the pouch and vent the pouch.
Leave the pouch on a stable surface until it has cooled. Once the test has cooled, it
is possible to continue conducting the test. If a color reaction is expected after the
breakage of the ampoule that caused the reaction, it should be noted and if not
present the testing can be discontinued.
MSDS sheets are available for all test on our website.
16
By OSHA regulations, all Departments utilizing any form of chemical must have a
complete set of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on hand for reference
purposes. These can be obtained either from the police equipment distributor or
directly from ODV. If your Department requires copies of the MSDS, they can be
accessed directly from our website at www.forenicssource.com. If you have any
further questions regarding the chemistry, please contact Customer Service, 800347-1200.
17
It is important to follow certain steps to ensure proper personal protection while
utilizing field tests.
Always use disposable gloves. No matter the substance, you do not want to absorb
anything into your system through either a cut or skin absorption. When handling
LSD or PCP, be careful to substitute the standard disposable gloves for NITRILE
gloves. Nitrile gloves are acid resistant and better designed for these more
dangerous substances.
substances
Always break the ampoules at shoulder level, not at waist level and always away
from your face. It is important to keep your full attention on the color reactions within
the test.
Various cutting agents (like potassium chlorate) may create immediate heat and
expansion, while others (baking soda) may only create expansion within the test. If
this reaction occurs, simply adjust the closure clip to a 45° angle, hold the test
away from you and allow the heat and expansion to escape from the test. This
procedure is referred to as “venting” the test. Once the pressure and heat have
been reduced, simply reposition the closure clip to a closed position, interpret the
color reaction and continue the test.
18
Prior to introducing any substance into a field test, it is important to properly prepare
that substance for the best possible reaction. Always use disposable gloves and
correct loading devices when handling suspected controlled substances.
Powder: Mix the powder thoroughly prior to introduction into the test. This will
ensure the cuts and controlled substances are mixed and your sample will include
controlled substance.
Chunk: Use the same technique as tablets. Reduce into a powder form and place
into the test.
Liquid: Mix the liquid thoroughly. Air dry onto a piece of porous paper (paper towel,
tissue, toilet paper or cotton swab) for 45 seconds and place directly into the test.
19
Capsules: Holding the capsule between thumb and forefinger, twist the capsule to
separate the two halves. Extract a small amount of substance and enter into the
test.
Tablets: Reduce the tablet into small fragments (preferably powder). Place a small
amount of this reduced substance into the test.
Plant Material: For dried Marijuana (Duquenois-Levine)
(Duquenois-Levine), reduce the plant substance
to the equivalent of 3 strands of tobacco. For fresh plant (KN Reagent), clip off a
small ¼” piece and introduce directly into the test.
ODV tests are designed to test dosage samples of unknown substances. Dosage
samples are generally powder, crystals, pills or capsules.
When liquid samples are encountered do not introduce them directly into any test
pouch, except 928 for GHB. All other tests require the liquid sample to be dried
before testing. The best way to prepare a liquid sample is to introduce the liquid to a
corner of a clean, white, non-printed paper towel or tissue. Dip the corner in the
liquid and set aside to air dry.
dry Once the paper is dried,
dried tear off a small ¼
¼” square
and insert into the test pouch. Use a toothpick or paperclip to push the square to the
bottom of the pouch so it will interact with the chemicals in the ampoules.
Close the pouch and conduct the test as normal. It should be noted that in some
tests the color reaction may appear on the paper square and not in the liquid itself.
This a normal occurrence and should not cause any issues with the testing
procedure.
Do not use newsprint or brown paper towels because the fiber content will interfere
with the results of some tests.
Use a correct loading device. The three criteria you should remember when loading
a substance:
1) always use a clean device,
2) ensure it is a disposable type product, if possible and
3) use one loading device per sample. If you seize a number of suspect samples,
for each sample you are going to field test, use a new loading device.
Using non-disposable loading devices are OK to use, but the user should make sure
that the sampler is cleaned between each sampling. This can be accomplished with
something as simple as a wet paper towel or an alcohol wipe.
22
Officers too often want to use personal type items as loading devices. PLEASE DO
NOT USE!
These items may include various things like disposable pens. Often, the top of
these pens have a convenient loading type portion. Once used, these same tops
are often innocently placed into your mouth when writing the report. Be careful!
Another popular personal item are your car keys. Do not use keys as loading
devices.
devices
The most popular personal item of all is definitely the pocket knife. The
contamination issue for all of these items and any others you can think of are not
worth using.
Please stay away from personal items!
23
There are two schools of thought on the act of neutralizing used test pouches in the
fi ld
field.
In the past, Departments were encouraged to neutralize field tests after their
completion. However, OSHA has determined that with the low quantity of chemicals
used in field tests, it is not necessary to neutralize.
Instead, it is recommended that all tests be disposed of at an authorized location
within the Department.
Department This eliminates the possibility of an accidental spill of the
chemicals after breakage during the testing procedure. Under no circumstances
should field tests be disposed of at crime scenes, commercial business locations or
thrown out a vehicle window into a ditch or roadside area.
Since the use of disposable gloves should be mandatory, we recommend all tests
be disposed of in the following manner:
1. simply place the completed test in the palm on one hand
2. pull the glove inside out which will then enclose the used test in the glove
3. and now dispose of it in the authorized Department container.
If your department recommends neutralizing in the field. Use Test 910 to accomplish
that. Place a small amount of the neutralizing powder in the pouch. Do not close
the pouch as gas and heat will build up. If the pouch is close, the pouch will fail
and disperse foamy chemicals around the area. Stand the pouch up against a
solid surface and wait for the reaction to subside. After the pouch has cooled to
the touch, replace the clip and treat as normal waste.
24
Many Departments have set policies which encourage the saving of field tests for
evidentiary purposes. We DO NOT recommend the saving of these tests for
evidence.
The colors within these tests will not remain for long periods of time. Depending on
the individual test and the chemistry used, these colors may remain for only minutes
possibly hours but unlikely for days. In order to show the proper color reactions for
Court purposes
purposes, these colors may have to remain for months which is not possible
possible.
Another compelling reason not to save the tests for Court concern the color
reactions of multiple ampoule tests. Tests like Marijuana (2 color reactions) and
Cocaine/Crack (3 color reactions) are dependent on having a positive reaction
within each step. If the colors were to remain for long periods (which they would
not), you would only see the last reaction. This last reaction alone does not confirm
a positive test. You must see all consecutive color reactions.
Therefore, our recommendation is to always Take Good Notes! If testing Cocaine,
your notes should show: what test is being used, 1st ampoule – Blue presence, 2nd
ampoule – Pink solution, 3rd ampoule – Pink over Blue solution. Three positive
reactions equal a positive test. Complete the notes by noting you have disposed of
the completed test in the container as designated by the Department.
25
The best and recommended place for conducting field tests are at room
temperature. When tests are exposed to hot temperatures, the color reactions will
be quicker and in cold temperatures, they will react slower.
Under the extreme case of the ampoules being frozen, simply thaw the test and
continue like normal. You do not have to throw frozen tests away.
26
The simplified chart shows the sequential method of field testing.
Before explaining this method, understand the Reagent names shown on the chart
(Mayer’s, Dille-Koppanyi, Ehrlich’s, Duquenois-Levine, Marquis and Mecke’s) refer
to the surname of the various chemists who discovered the color reaction of the
various chemicals with the specific substance. Concern yourself more with the
specific substance and not the specific chemistry name.
The use of this chart will allow you to sequentially test any substance. By entering a
small amount of the substance into the Mayer’s Reagent, the subsequent color
reaction (creamy white – left side of chart, clear – right side of chart) will determine
the direction of your next test. The use of multiple tests in sequence and interpreting
the colors after each test will allow you to identify totally unknown substances.
However, for most Departments, field tests are designed as confirmation of
probable cause. For this reason, we recommend that you go first to the specific test
for the substance suspected.
The Mayer’s Reagent is designed as the starting point for the sequential testing
system. U.S. Customs relies heavily on this test since they do have the luxury of
confirming probable cause. The Barbiturate test tends to be too general and you still
must determine the Schedule in order to lay charges. Lastly, the dangers of
handling LSD should restrict your use of this test to only when absolutely necessary.
27
The Marquis test, 902, is a broad‐based general screening tool. This test will provide a multitude of answers for one set of reagents. Test 902 will send you to 5 different sets of subsequent tests to classify any unknown substance.
If the results of the 902 test show a color reaction that starts orange, shifts to red, then shifts to brown, this is indicative of Amphetamine/Methamphetamine type compounds. The timing of this reaction is important to note, 10‐12 seconds. There are other compounds that can be readily found (Equal, sugar substitute) that will cause this same reaction but it takes minutes for the color shifts to occur.
If the investigator is not giving his/her complete and undivided attention the results of the test then it may be possible to misinterpret the result Because the color shift in the 902 is
test then it may be possible to misinterpret the result. Because the color shift in the 902 is an important factor in the results of the test, the user must note the time of the reaction the case notes.
If the results of Test 902 shows an immediate black or dark blue color, this is an indication of the presence of MDMA (Ecstasy). To confirm the presence of MDMA, the use of the 923 test is necessary. This will be discussed more in later slides.
If the results of Test 902 show a color shift from orange to purple, this is an indication of the presence of heroin/morphine (opiate) type compounds. Again, the color shift will occur within a 10‐12 second time frame. This time must be recorded in the case notes.
Cocaine HCl will come in many forms. Two (2) shown here are the standard glossy
powder (street form) and the compressed chunk (densely compressed for
smuggling). If the material is already in a powder form, mix prior to introduction into
the test to ensure the controlled substance is mixed with the cutting agents.
Various nasal decongestants are also popular in the consumption of Cocaine HCl.
Truck drivers, college students and white collar workers will dissolve Cocaine HCl
into the liquid
liquid. The decongestant works as a perfect conductor for the Cocaine HCl
to be snorted into the nasal passages. Test these liquids by air drying them onto
unscented paper products or a cotton swab.
The smuggling of Cocaine HCl can take the form of dark liquor bottles (Scotch,
Kahlua, red wine or Mexican beer). You can dissolve large quantities of the Cocaine
HCl into these liquids, ship them into the United States and then burn off the liquid
using large skillets over a low heat. The Cocaine HCl will remain. You simply scrape
the powder off the skillet, cut it and sell it.
Follow the same procedure as described for the nasal decongestants to test these
liquids.
33
In the Cocaine test note the color of the liquid or powder. A blue color should
appear. Depending on the street mix of the powder/drug the liquid may not turn
blue.
In the second amp and blue flash will appear when the ampoule is broken. This a
normal reaction for the test. The blue will dissipate and become pink.
In the third amp the liquid will layer and become pink over blue
blue.
When the Cocaine test is used for Crack Cocaine, the liquid will remain pink and the
pieces of Crack will turn blue. This is because of the insolubility of the CRACK.
The other amp results remain the same.
Just a quick review in testing various plant material.
For dried material, separate the plant strands from the seeds and stems. Introduce
the equivalent of 3 strands of tobacco into the Duquenois-Levine Reagent and
proceed with the test.
For green plant and seeds, proceed to the KN Reagent. Introduce a 1/4” square
piece of the green plant or 3 – 4 seeds into the field test and proceed
proceed.
A small amount of substance is always preferable when testing plant material.
These tests are very sensitive.
36
When conducting
g the 908 test for Marijuana,
j
introduce a few fragments
g
of
dried leaf material. Break the first ampoule and agitate for a full 60 seconds.
This is necessary because the solvent must be have time to extract the THC
from the leaf material. There will not be a color change with the breaking of
the first ampoule.
Break the second ampoule. There will be a flash of green followed by an
immediate development of purple coloration
coloration. The flash green is only visible
for a moment. It is not necessary to record the event of the green
development, this is so that it is supposed to be there, if seen. It is important
to not allow the color to develop too much as this will affect the color layering
with the third ampoule. To stop the color from developing, simply break the
third ampoule.
After breaking the third ampoule, agitate the pouch slightly. Tap the left side
of the pouch on a hard surface to move all the broken glass to one side.
Carefully rotate the pouch to allow the non-glass side/corner to be the lowest
point, moving all the liquid to that side. Do not agitate but allow the liquid to
settle. As it settles, the layers will develop.
The upper layer color is not important other than it should be lighter than the
bottom purple layer. If the purple color was allowed to develop too long or if
the strain of Marijuana tested has a high TCH content, then the layer might
be light purple over dark purple. This is still considered a positive result.
When testing green Marijuana or seeds that may have been collected, use the 909 test. This test, KN or Fast Blue test, is the only test that will test these two types of Marijuana residues.
Introduce a few small green leaf fragments or a couple of seeds. Break the first ampoule and agitate normally. No color is expected with the breakage of the first ampoule.
Break the second ampoule and agitate A red/orange color will start to develop When the
Break the second ampoule and agitate. A red/orange color will start to develop. When the development starts, stop the agitation. Tap the left side of the pouch to move the glass to the left side of the pouch and slowly rotate the pouch back to the right, allowing the liquid to accumulate in the lower right corner.
The liquid will separate to a clear over orange .
Methamphetamine can take on many color appearances and can be found in either
powder, chunk or oil configurations. These shades of color are the result of
variations in the cooking formula, cooking times or possibly negligent cooking
techniques. If formulas and procedures were always followed exactly, Meth should
come out like the white powder displayed at the bottom left. However, due to
humidity, cooks cannot control whether their Meth will be a very fine powder or
chunk form.
Due to the high moisture content of Meth directly following its manufacture and the
slow drying over a period of time, be careful of your weights when seizing the
substance. A sample weighing 12.4 grams the day of the seizure may lose up to
50% of its weight by the time the crime lab weighs and analyzes the substance. The
scientific explanation for this weight loss is simple evaporation. The various solvents
used in the manufacturing process will dry and evaporate over a period of time even
when sealed in evidence bags.
The second precaution to take is not to make the mistake of looking at the color of
substances to determine the purity levels. There is no relationship between color
and purity.
39
Test 923 is the test for the presence of Methamphetamine or MDMA (Ecstasy).
The first two ampoules do not give a color reaction, but merely put the sample in the
proper chemical order to produce a color reaction with the third ampoule.
In the presence of Methamphetamine or MDMA, the solution will immediate turn a
dark blue when the third ampoule is broken.
This test does not differentiate between MDMA and Methamphetamine. Since we
know Meth comes in either a powder, chunk or oil form and Ecstasy is found in
either tablets or capsules, we can determine whether the substance is either Meth
or Ecstasy.
Test 902 can be used to provide clarification
clarification.
Test 923 tests for the presence of secondary amines only. Both Methamphetamine
and MDMA fall into the chemical family of secondary amines. You may encounter
other substances/chemicals in the field that are chemically secondary amines, but
using Test 902 is the only way to provide a better screening for the presence or nonpresence of illicit drugs.
It should also be noted that Test 923 will turn a burgundy color all by itself when the
ampoules are broken with substance placed in the pouch
pouch. This is the nature of the
chemicals.
The colors shown on the front of any pouch are indicative of that specific substance
only. Therefore, the Meth test requires a distinct dark Blue color which indicates the
presence of a secondary amine. Since we know Meth comes in either a powder,
chunk or oil form and Ecstasy is found in either tablets or capsules, we can
determine whether the substance is either Meth or Ecstasy.
If the color does not match the immediate dark Blue and you receive a Pink color
slowly turning into a burgundy
burgundy, this color indicates you DO NOT have either Meth or
Ecstasy.
If you started with the Meth/MDMA Reagent, go back to the Marquis Reagent to see
if the color sequence goes Orange to Brown within 12 seconds. If so, you know
through the original results using the Meth test (no immediate dark Blue) that the
substance is not Meth. Therefore, through elimination you know the product is
Amphetamines.
When testing for Methamphetamine or Ecstasy with 923 and the test turns dark blue
and based on the type of material sampled (tablets), one could assume that you
have an indication of Ecstasy. For confirmation of the result, Test 902 can be used.
902 will turn black in the presence of Ecstasy.
Heroin will vary in color from pure white through to black. For this reason, it is
important to be careful when loading the Heroin (Mecke’s Reagent) field test. This
specific test is looking for a definitive Green color. This shade may be light to dark,
but will always be Green. If you place too much brown or black substance into the
test, the colored resins will distort the field and not allow the distinct Green color to
show through on the 2nd ampoule. (click)
44
When testing all forms of Heroin, white, brown and black tar, it is extremely
important to use small amounts of suspect material.
For white Heroin, no more than 1/8” of the substance on the tip of a proper loading
device.
When testing brown Heroin, use much smaller amounts, the equivalent of no more
than 10 grains of Sweet and Low
Low.
For black tar Heroin, just the period at the end of a sentence.
Keep in mind, once a solvent dissolves a dark substance (brown or black tar
Heroin), the liquid will take on those tan to brown to black properties if you place too
much substance in the test. By using much smaller amounts, the colored resins
within these substances do not overpower the color reactions.
45
The first ampoule is a solvent only. There are no results for this ampoule.
The second ampoule will turn green. This is the only acceptable for this test.
Speedballs are the best example of why Departments should use specific field tests
to confirm their probable cause.
By using these specific tests, they will identify the substance that specific test is
designed to determine only. As an example, if you had a Heroin and Cocaine
mixture in a baggie or foil pack, the 924 test would test positive for the presence of
Heroin and ignore the Cocaine. In turn, if you were to test the same mixture in the
Cocaine Salts and Base Reagent
Reagent, it would identify only the Cocaine and would
ignore the Heroin presence in the mixture.
The same would be true for laced Marijuana cigarettes. If the Marijuana was laced
with PCP or Crack, the 908 test would identify the THC component of the
Marijuana, but ignore the PCP or Crack. The investigator would use the 914 (PCP)
or 904B (Cocaine/Crack) test to determine the presence of either drug.
Always use specific tests to increase your reliability.
47
Using field reference materials are always a good idea to find information relating to drugs found on the street.
The website, Erowid, is a good source of information on the use, production and manufacture of most drugs of abuse.
The Drug Identification Bible is a good reference book for pill, tablet and capsule markings. There is also information regarding the use and manufacture of certain drugs of abuse.
For technical assistance with any drug test questions that may arise, please call our
Jacksonville office. You will be directed to our Product Manager who will be happy to
assist.
49