ASTM E1969-06

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:E1969–06
Standard Guide for
Microcrystal Testing in the Forensic Analysis of
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Methamphetamine and Amphetamine
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1969; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Microcrystal tests are primarily chemical-precipitation tests in which a light microscope is used to
observe and distinguish the different types of crystals formed. These tests require skill and expertise
on the part of the analyst that can be gained adequately only through appropriate training and
experience in their use. These tests should not be attempted by those who are unfamiliar with them
for use in the analysis of methamphetamine or amphetamine.
1. Scope priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.1 This guide describes some standard procedures appli-
cable to the analysis of methamphetamine and amphetamine
2. Terminology
using microcrystal tests.
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.2 These procedures are applicable to methamphetamine
2.1.1 aggregation, n—the collecting of units or parts into a
andamphetamine,whicharepresentinsoliddosageformoran
mass or whole.
injectable liquid form. These procedures are not typically
2.1.2 birefringence, n—property of some crystals, having
applicable to the analysis of methamphetamine and amphet-
more than one refraction index. This property will result in
amine in biological samples.
interference colors, which are viewed through a polarized light
1.3 This guide offers an organized collection of information
microscope.
or a series of options and does not recommend a specific
2.1.3 blades, n—broad, flat, elongated crystals.
course of action. This document cannot replace education or
2.1.4 grains, n—thick tablets having nearly equal width,
experience and should be used in conjunction with professional
breadth and thickness.
judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all
2.1.5 habit, n—the external morphology of the crystal.
circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre-
2.1.6 microdrop, n—a small drop of liquid that would fit on
sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of
theendofastandardsize,flattenedtoothpick.Theapproximate
a given professional service must be judged, nor should this
volume of this drop would be 10 to 25 µL.
document be applied without consideration of a project’s many
2.1.7 needles (acicular), n—long, thin crystals with pointed
unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this
ends.
document means only that the document has been approved
2.1.8 plates, n—blades with nearly equal length and breadth
through the ASTM consensus process.
and of a thickness substantially less than the width.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
2.1.9 rods, n—long, thin crystals with squared off ends.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
2.1.10 tablets, n—plates with appreciable thickness but less
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
than the length or breadth.
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3. Summary of the Technique
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic
Sciences and is the direct responsibility on Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics.
3.1 Asmall sample of the material containing the suspected
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2006. Published September 2006. Originally
methamphetamine or amphetamine is dissolved in an appro-
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as E1969 – 01. DOI:
10.1520/E1969-06. priate acid and the appropriate precipitating reagent is added.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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E1969–06
NOTE 1—The crystals tend to precipitate faster from the phosphoric
The crystals that are formed are observed and distinguished
acid. There also tends to be less interference when using the concentrated
utilizing a light microscope.
phosphoric acid.
3.2 If the proper formation of crystals is inhibited by the
presence of diluents, a purification of the sample based on the
9.1.3 Add a few microdrops of 5 % gold chloride to the
volatility of methamphetamine and amphetamine may be
edge of the acid solution on the microscope slide.
performed.
9.1.4 Observe the formation of the crystals using a properly
aligned and adjusted light microscope. This observation can be
4. Significance and Use
done between crossed polars if desired. If crossed polars are to
4.1 This techn
...