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Updated: Mar 24, 2026

A Filter-based Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopic Assay for Rapid Detection of Chemical Contaminants
Published on: February 19, 2016
The detection of flunitrazepam in beverages using portable Raman spectroscopy
Esam M A Ali1,2, Howell G M Edwards2
1Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Sohag Faculty of Medicine, Sohag, Egypt.
Abstract:
Portable Raman spectroscopy has been used for the detection of the date-rape drug flunitrazepam in spiked beverages that may be involved in cases of drug-facilitated sexual assault. Solutions of flunitrazepam with different concentrations were prepared in water and for each beverage type. Although some bands attributable to the beverage matrix are present, they did not interfere with the identification of the drug. Definitive evidence for contamination of the spiked drink concerned can be acquired within 10 s. The data can be acquired in situ and sample extraction and/or preparation steps are unnecessary. The ability of portable Raman spectrometers to interrogate spiked alcoholic beverages with flunitrazepam has been demonstrated. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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