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R aman Spectroscopy as a Simple, Rapid, Nondestructive Screening Test for Methamphetamine in Clandestine Laboratory Liquids
Author(s) -
Triplett Jeremy S.,
Hatfield Jennifer A.,
Kaeff Tracy L.,
Ramsey Christopher R.,
Robinson Susan D.,
Standifer Allison F.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/1556-4029.12213
Subject(s) - methamphetamine , forensic science , chromatography , laboratory test , poison control , spectroscopy , forensic engineering , analytical chemistry (journal) , chemistry , engineering , medicine , medical emergency , psychiatry , physics , veterinary medicine , biochemical engineering , quantum mechanics
Abstract R aman spectroscopy has found increased use in the forensic controlled substances laboratory in recent years due to its rapid and nondestructive analysis capabilities. Here, R aman spectroscopy as a screening test for methamphetamine in clandestine laboratory liquid samples is discussed as a way to improve the efficiency of a laboratory by identifying the most probative samples for further workup among multiple samples submitted for analysis. Solutions of methamphetamine in ethanol, diethyl ether, and C oleman fuel were prepared in concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 10% w/v, and R aman spectra of each were collected. A concentration‐dependant R aman peak was observed at 1003 per cm in each solution in 4% w/v and greater solutions. Case samples were analyzed and also found to reliably contain this diagnostic peak when methamphetamine was present. The use of this diagnostic indicator can save the forensic controlled substances laboratory time and materials when analyzing clandestine laboratory liquid submissions.