Blotter Carrier

LSD appears in crystalline, liquid and many other forms. As a crystal, a substantial dose can barely be seen by the naked eye. Usually, it is dissolved in ethyl alcohol or another solvent and then dropped onto a carrier, usually blotter paper. 

Following the possible identification of the presence of LSD, the next stage in the analysis is the use of thin layer chromatography (TLC). This is employed because although it cannot be used to prove the identity of LSD, it can be used as a rapid, cost-effective method to eliminate those samples which gave a positive colour reaction in the presumptive tests but which do not contain this drug. These will be rarer when blotter acids are suspected, but may be more common where other substrates have been used as the carrier medium for the LSD itself. 

LSD on blotter paper carrier is the most common form. The blotter paper is perforated in squares and printed with symbols, cartoon characters and designs, A predetermined amount of LSD is dissolved into a solvent and blotter paper is soaked to absorb a titrated amount of LSD. It is the easiest form of LSD for transportation, but will break down (if not protected) on exposure to heat, light and air. 

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