ASTM E1968-11
(Guide)Standard Guide for Microcrystal Testing in the Forensic Analysis of Cocaine
Standard Guide for Microcrystal Testing in the Forensic Analysis of Cocaine
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This technique produces a chemical-precipitation reaction between cocaine and the precipitating reagent. The habit and the aggregation of the crystals formed may be used to distinguish cocaine from other drugs (6).
This technique can be utilized on cocaine present in either the salt or free base form.
This technique does not distinguish between the salt and free base forms.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide describes some standard procedures applicable to the analysis of cocaine using multiple microcrystal tests (1-5).
1.2 These procedures are applicable to cocaine, which is present in solid dosage form or an injectable liquid form. They are not typically applicable to the analysis of cocaine in biological samples.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 This standard cannot replace knowledge, skill, or ability acquired through appropriate education, training, and experience and should be used in conjunction with sound professional judgment.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: E1968 − 11
Standard Guide for
1
Microcrystal Testing in Forensic Analysis of Cocaine
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1968; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber 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 cocaine.
1. Scope E1492Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and
Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
1.1 This guide describes some standard procedures appli-
E1732Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
cable to the analysis of cocaine using multiple microcrystal
2
E2329Practice for Identification of Seized Drugs
tests (1-5).
E2548GuideforSamplingSeizedDrugsforQualitativeand
1.2 These procedures are applicable to cocaine, which is
Quantitative Analysis
present in solid dosage form or an injectable liquid form.They
are not typically applicable to the analysis of cocaine in
3. Terminology
biological samples.
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
Terminology E1732.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
standard.
3.2.1 aggregation, n—the collecting of units or parts into a
1.4 This standard cannot replace knowledge, skill, or ability
mass or whole.
acquired through appropriate education, training, and experi-
3.2.2 birefringence, n—property of some crystals, having
ence and should be used in conjunction with sound profes-
more than one refractive index; this property will result in
sional judgment.
interference colors, which are viewed through a polarized light
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
microscope.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.3 cocaine, n—either d- or l- cocaine; it should be noted
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
that l-cocaine is the naturally occurring isomer found in the
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
coca plant.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.4 dendritic, adj—multibrachiate or branching crystals,
2. Referenced Documents
growing in a tree-like manner; each branch of the crystal is
3
2.1 ASTM Standards:
contiguous structurally.
E1459Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related
3.2.5 habit, n—the external morphology of the crystal.
Documentation
3.2.6 microdrop, n—a small drop of liquid that would fit on
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic
the end of a standard size, flattened toothpick; the approximate
Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics.
volume of this drop would be 10 to 25µL.
Current edition approved March 1, 2011. Published April 2011. Originally
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as E1968–98(2003). 3.2.7 needles (acicular), n—long, thin crystals with pointed
DOI: 10.1520/E1968-11.
ends.
2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
this standard.
3
4. Summary of the Technique
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
4.1 Asmall sample of the material containing the suspected
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. cocaine is dissolved in a dilute acid and the appropriate
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E1968 − 11
precipitating reagent is added.The crystals that are formed are 11.1.4 Observe the formation of the crystals using a prop-
observed and distinguished utilizing a light microscope. erly aligned and adjusted light microscope. This observation
canbedonebetweencrossedpolarsifdesired.Ifcrossedpolars
5. Significance and Use
are to be used, orient the polarizer in the east-west direction
and the analyzer in the north-south direction, verified by a
5.1 This technique produces a chemical-precipitation reac-
black background.
tion between cocaine and the precipitating reagent. The habit
and the aggregation of
...
This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:E1968–98(Reapproved2003) Designation:E1968–11
Standard Guide for
1
Microcrystal Testing in the Forensic Analysis of Cocaine
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1968; 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 cocaine.
1. Scope
2
1.1 Thisguidedescribessomestandardproceduresapplicabletotheanalysisofcocaineusingmultiplemicrocrystaltests(1-5).
1.2 These procedures are applicable to cocaine, which is present in solid dosage form or an injectable liquid form. They are not
typically applicable to the analysis of cocaine in biological samples.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 This standard cannot replace knowledge, skill, or ability acquired through appropriate education, training, and experience
and should be used in conjunction with sound professional judgment.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Terminology Referenced Documents
3
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E1459 Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related Documentation
E1492 Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
E2329 Practice for Identification of Seized Drugs
E2548 Guide for Sampling Seized Drugs for Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology E1732.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2.1.1
3.2.1 aggregation, n—the collecting of units or parts into a mass or whole.
2.1.2
3.2.2 birefringence, n—property of some crystals, having more than one refractive index. Thisindex; this property will result
in interference colors, which are viewed through a polarized light microscope.
2.1.33.2.3 cocaine, n—either d- or l- cocaine. It should be noted that cocaine; it should be noted that l-cocaine is the naturally
occurring isomer found in the coca plant.
2.1.4
3.2.4 dendritic, adj—multibrachiate or branching crystals, growing in a tree-like manner. Eachmanner; each branch of the
crystal is contiguous structurally.
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics.
Current edition approved Nov.March 1, 2003.2011. Published December 2003.April 2011. Originally approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 19982003 as
E1968 – 98 (2003). DOI: 10.1520/E1968-98R03.10.1520/E1968-11.
2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of this standard.
3
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E1968–11
2.1.53.2.5 habit, n—the external morphology of the crystal.
2.1.6
3.2.6 microdrop, n—a small drop of liquid that would fit on the end of a standard size, flattened toothpick. Thetoothpick; the
approximate volume of this drop would be 10 to 25 µL.
2.1.73.2.7 needles (acicular), n—long, thin crystals with pointed ends.
3.Summary of the Technique
3.1Asmall sample of the material containing the suspected cocaine is dissolved in a dilute acid and the appropriate precipitating
reagent is added. The crystals that are formed are observed and distinguished utilizing a light microscope.
4. Significa
...
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