Related Experiment Videos
The routine profiling of forensic heroin samples
C Barnfield1, S Burns, D L Byrom
1Home Office Forensic Science Laboratory, Birmingham, U.K.
Forensic Science International
|November 1, 1988
Summary
A new method for profiling illicit heroin samples using gas chromatography is presented. This technique allows for the identification of heroin components and adulterants in casework samples.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Routine profiling of illicit heroin is crucial for casework.
- Existing methods may lack efficiency or comprehensiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a straightforward method for routine profiling of illicit heroin samples.
- To identify components derived from opium and adulterants in heroin samples.
Main Methods:
- Sample pretreatment.
- Gas chromatography on a capillary column.
- Flame-ionization detection.
Main Results:
- Successful identification of heroin components derived from opium.
- Identification of various adulterants present in illicit heroin samples.
- Discussion of statistical data for sampling and chromatographic analysis.
Conclusions:
- The developed method provides effective routine profiling of illicit heroin.
- The technique aids in identifying the origin and composition of seized heroin samples.
- Data from 1986 samples highlight the method's practical application in forensic casework.