In this study, Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate statistical analysis was used for the detection and identification of drug traces in latent fingermarks (LFMs) when nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) tablets of aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, ketoprofen and naproxen had been touched.
Recent advancements in analytical techniques have greatly contributed to the analysis of latent fingermarks’ (LFMs) “touch chemistry” and identification of materials that a suspect might have come into contact with. This type of information about the FM donor is valuable for criminal investigations because it narrows the pool of suspects. It is estimated that at least 30 million people around the world take over-the-counter and prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief, headaches and arthritis every day. The daily use of such drugs can lead to an increased risk of their abuse. In the current study, partial least squares discriminant analysis of Raman spectra showed an excellent separation between natural FMs and all NSAID-contaminated FMs. The developed classification model was externally validated using FMs deposited by a new donor and showed 100% accuracy on a FM level. This proof-of-concept study demonstrated the great potential of Raman spectroscopy in the chemical analysis of LFMs and the detection and identification of drug traces in particular. (Publisher Abstract)
Downloads
Similar Publications
- Patterns of Concordance Between Hair Assays and Urinalysis for Cocaine: Longitudinal Analysis of Probationers in Pinellas County, Florida (From The Validity of Self-Reported Drug Use: Improving the Accuracy of Survey Estimates, P 161-199, 1997, Lana Harri
- Improving the Management of Rental Properties With Drug Problems: A Randomized Experiment (From Civil Remedies and Crime Prevention, P 161-185, 1998, Lorraine Green Mazerolle and Jan Roehl, eds. - See NCJ-175510)
- COMPASS A DRUG MARKET ANALYSIS PROGRAM, FINAL REPORT JANUARY, 1993 (HARTFORD)