With the growing surge of new designer drugs appearing in crime scene evidence analyzed in forensic laboratories, forensic drug chemists are working overtime to identify these evolving drugs in addition to their research of narcotics and stimulant drugs which are fueling deadly addictions around the country. Microcrystalline testing can be part of
a drug chemist’s toolkit. Fast, highly specific, and inexpensive per-sample,
microcrystalline testing on a specially configured Polarized Light Microscope (PLM) can be a helpful tool for drug chemists looking to move through casework helping with identification of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. The microscope, equipped with a highly sensitive and fast digital camera and ISO17025:2005 traceable calibrations, provides an examiner with the ability to easily document crystal growth and have measurement traceability. Additionally, microcrystalline testing on a PLM such as the Zeiss Axioscope, may be one way to assist in researching, or identify, these types of designer drug compounds. The organic structure of the analogues may be different enough to grow various crystal types between the analog and controlled substance allowing for rapid and highly confident processing.
In addition to the Axioscope, the Trace-Z comparison microscope can assist drug chemists by offering a side-by-side comparison of a test drug sample placed next to a sample of
an unknown drug. The Trace-Z, encompassing Zeiss optical components, offers a 23mm field of view, superior color and intensity balance requiring no adjustment by the operator, and a motorized sweeping mask adjuster allowing examiners to control image dividing line and overlay.
To learn more, please contact Leeds or call (763)546-8575 to speak with a sales representative.