Citation

Philp M, Fu S. Drug Test. Anal. 2018; 10(1): 95-108.

Affiliation

Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/dta.2300

PMID

28915346

Abstract

Chemical 'spot' tests are a presumptive illicit drug identification technique commonly used by law enforcement, border security personnel, and forensic laboratories. The simplicity, low cost and rapid results afforded by these tests make them particularly attractive for presumptive identification globally. In this paper, we review the development of these long-established methods and discuss color test recommendations and guidelines. A search of the scientific literature revealed the chemical reactions occurring in many color tests are either not actively investigated or reported as unknown. Today, color tests face many challenges, from the appearance of new psychoactive substances to concerns regarding selectivity, sensitivity, and safety. Advances in technology have seen color test reagents used in digital image color analysis, solid sensors and microfluidic devices for illicit drug detection. This review aims to summarize current research and suggest the future of presumptive color testing.

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Language: en

Keywords

color spot test; illicit drugs; new psychoactive substances; presumptive identification; seized material