ASTM E1969-01

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Designation:E1969–01
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 E 1969; 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 (e) 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 2.1.8 plates, n—blades with nearly equal length and breadth
and of a thickness substantially less than the width.
1.1 This guide describes some standard procedures appli-
2.1.9 rods, n—long, thin crystals with squared off ends.
cable to the analysis of methamphetamine and amphetamine
2.1.10 tablets, n—plates with appreciable thickness but less
using microcrystal tests.
than the length or breadth.
1.2 These procedures are applicable to methamphetamine
andamphetamine,whicharepresentinsoliddosageformoran
3. Summary of the Technique
injectable liquid form. These procedures are not typically
3.1 Asmall sample of the material containing the suspected
applicable to the analysis of methamphetamine and amphet-
methamphetamine or amphetamine is dissolved in an appro-
amine in biological samples.
priate acid and the appropriate precipitating reagent is added.
2. Terminology The crystals that are formed are observed and distinguished
utilizing a light microscope.
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2 If the proper formation of crystals is inhibited by the
2.1.1 aggregation, n—the collecting of units or parts into a
presence of diluents, a purification of the sample based on the
mass or whole.
volatility of methamphetamine and amphetamine may be
2.1.2 birefringence, n—property of some crystals, having
performed.
more than one refraction index. This property will result in
interference colors, which are viewed through a polarized light
4. Significance and Use
microscope.
4.1 This technique produces a chemical-precipitation reac-
2.1.3 blades, n—broad, flat, elongated crystals.
tion between methamphetamine or amphetamine and the pre-
2.1.4 grains, n—thick tablets having nearly equal width,
cipitating reagent.The habit and the aggregation of the crystals
breadth and thickness.
formed may be used to distinguish methamphetamine and
2.1.5 habit, n—the external morphology of the crystal.
amphetamine from other drugs.
2.1.6 microdrop, n—a small drop of liquid that would fit on
theendofastandardsize,flattenedtoothpick.Theapproximate
5. Interferences
volume of this drop would be 10 to 25 µL.
5.1 Diluents/Adulterants—Diluents/adulterants present in
2.1.7 needles (acicular), n—long, thin crystals with pointed
combination with methamphetamine or amphetamine in the
ends.
sample to be tested may inhibit crystal formation or result in
crystals that are distorted or otherwise rendered unidentifiable.
In these instances, it will be necessary to separate the meth-
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This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic
amphetamine or amphetamine from the diluents or to use other
Sciences and is the direct responsibility on Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics.
testing methods to analyze the methamphetamine or amphet-
Current edition approved Jan. 10, 2001. Published April 2001. Originally
published as E 1969–98. Last previous edition E 1969–98. amine.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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E1969–01
6. Apparatus have an appearance of clothespins, which are open on one end
and closed on the other. These smaller rods are best viewed
6.1 A standard light microscope capable of varying magni-
between crossed polars.
fications including 1003 is needed for viewing the crystals. A
9.1.5.4 d, l- Methamphetamine, produces long blades and
polarized light attachment is not essential, but is desirable,
jointed crystals similar to those observed for the d- or l- form.
because the heavy metal crystals of methamphetamine and
If these crystals are broken gently by scratching with a probe,
amphetamine are birefringent.
they will break apart into smaller rods, which are open on both
7. Reagents and Materials
ends, having an appearance of the letter “X.”
7.1 10 % Solution of Hydrochloric Aci
...