Presumptive tests heroin

Heroin samples, often identified in a preliminary way on the basis of their smell, comprise a large number of opiate drugs which are frequently adulterated with a wide variety of other drugs and pharmacologically inactive materials. Some of the drugs present in this way are themselves controlled substances and so a wide variety of presumptive tests need to be performed to identify all of the classes of drug that might be present. 

Mandalin tast A presumptive test for amphetamines and alkaloids. The Mandelin recent is a 1% solution of ammonium vanadate (NH4VO3) in concentrated sulphuric acid. Different substances j e different colours. Mescaline, for example, produces an orange colour, heroin abrown colour, and amphetamine ablue-green colour. 

Mayer s test A general presumptive test for cocaine, morphine, heroin, and other alkaloids. Mayer s reagent is a solution of potassium mercury iodide in water. A positive result is indicated by a cream precipitate. 

The number of control samples required per batch increases proportionately if quantitative information is sought. Consider a GCMS analysis of a drug sample extract that, based on initial presumptive tests and screening, is thought to contain heroin. Such a batch would likely include the following types of quality assurance samples ... 

Analytical Approach Heroin samples follow the typical flowchart approach from presumptive tests to confirmation by instrument, usually by GCMS, since the presence of other alkaloids makes it difficult to purify the sample sufficiently for IR. Thin-layer chromatography can be particularly useful in separating components of a complex heroin sample and, coupled with the appropriate standards and developers, can assist in identification of specific compounds. Marquis and Dragendorff reagents are commonly used for the purpose. 

Workplace drug testing typically involves the analysis of urine samples from job applicants and/or employees to determine whether they have recently used drugs of abuse such as heroin, marijuana, amphetamines or cocaine. Test samples are normally screened by a relatively inexpensive immunoassay, and all presumptively positive samples are submitted for mass spectral analysis to confirm the presence of the drug or drugs. Similarly, for determination of... 

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