Forensic Science Identification of Drugs of Abuse

• NCJ Number: 124308
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 34 Issue: 6 Dated: (November 1989) Pages: 1471-1476
• Author(s): A J McBay; A P Mason
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The guidelines for forensic urine drug testing do not specify the gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) procedure to be used for confirmation.

Abstract

Full mass spectral documentation together with a positive immunoassay and supporting data should insure the most certain identification. Preparation of specimens which test proficiency adequately is difficult, particularly for marijuana testing. The use of a full-spectrum GC/MS method should make the results admissible under the Frye Standard and the Federal Rules of Evidence, whereas ion monitoring methods could be challenged effectively. Duplicate specimens should be available, one for employer and the other for the employee. Precision suffers when determining low substance concentrations. 1 table and 11 references. (Author abstract)