UNIT -V

Analysis of narcotics, drugs and psychotropic substances

in breast milk, saliva, urine, hair and antemortem blood
Analyzing narcotics, drugs, and psychotropic substances in biological matrices
such as breast milk, saliva, urine, hair, and antemortem blood is essential for
understanding drug exposure, monitoring treatment, and forensic investigations.
Each matrix has its unique characteristics, benefits, and challenges. Here’s an
overview of the analysis process for each:
1. Breast Milk
- Purpose of Analysis: To assess drug transfer to infants, monitor maternal drug
use, and evaluate the impact on breastfeeding.
- Collection: Sample breast milk should be collected in sterile containers,
avoiding contamination.
- Testing Methods:
- Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS): Commonly used for
identifying and quantifying drugs.
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): Useful for specific drugs
but may lack sensitivity for some substances.
- Considerations:
- Drug concentrations in breast milk can vary based on maternal metabolism,
dosage, and time since last use.
- Potential effects on infant health should be monitored.
2. Saliva
- Purpose of Analysis: Useful for rapid drug screening, assessing recent use, and
non-invasive testing.
- Collection: Saliva can be collected using cotton swabs or specialized
collection devices. It is non-invasive and easy to administer.
- Testing Methods:
- Immunoassays: Common for initial screening, providing quick results.
- GC-MS or LC-MS: Used for confirmatory testing and quantification.
- Considerations:
- Saliva reflects recent drug use (typically within the last few hours to a few
days) and may be affected by factors such as hydration and time of collection.
3. Urine
- Purpose of Analysis: Widely used for drug testing due to ease of collection and
ability to detect a broad range of substances over a longer time frame.
- Collection: Urine samples should be collected in clean, sterile containers.
Chain of custody is crucial.
- Testing Methods:
- Immunoassays: Often used as initial screening tests for various drug classes.
- GC-MS or LC-MS: Employed for confirmatory testing, offering high
sensitivity and specificity.
- Considerations:
- Detection windows vary by substance. For example, most drugs can be
detected in urine from a few days up to several weeks.
- Urine pH and specific gravity can affect test results.
4. Hair
- Purpose of Analysis: Provides a historical record of drug use over a longer
period (months to years) and can be used for chronic exposure assessments.
- Collection: Hair samples should be collected from the scalp or other body
areas. Approximately 1.5 inches of hair is often analyzed, reflecting drug use
over the past 90 days.
- Testing Methods:
- GC-MS or LC-MS: Commonly used for identifying drugs in hair samples.
- Enzyme Immunoassays: Sometimes used for screening purposes.
- Considerations:
- Drug incorporation into hair can be influenced by factors such as hair color,
hair care products, and individual metabolism.
- External contamination can also lead to false positives.
5. Antemortem Blood
- Purpose of Analysis: Critical in forensic toxicology for determining the
presence of drugs at the time of death or prior to death in living individuals.
- Collection: Blood samples should be drawn using sterile techniques, typically
from a vein, and stored in appropriate tubes.
- Testing Methods:
- GC-MS or LC-MS: Standard methods for confirming the presence and
concentration of drugs.
- HPLC: Sometimes used for specific pharmaceuticals.
- Considerations:
- Blood levels can provide insight into dosage and timing of drug use.
- Interpretation of results must consider individual factors such as metabolism
and the presence of other substances.

Drugs and driving

Drugs and driving is a significant public safety concern, as various substances
can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Here's an overview of
the effects of drugs on driving, legal implications, testing methods, and
prevention strategies.
1. Effects of Drugs on Driving
Drugs can impair cognitive and motor functions, leading to increased risks of
accidents. Effects vary by substance:
- Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines):
- Can cause increased alertness but may lead to reckless behavior and
overconfidence.
- May cause erratic driving or inability to maintain attention.
- Depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines):
- Impair coordination, reaction times, and judgment.
- Increase the risk of drowsiness and loss of control.
- Cannabis:
- Affects motor coordination, reaction time, and perception of time.
- Can lead to slower reaction times and impaired decision-making.
- Opioids (e.g., prescription painkillers, heroin):
- Can cause drowsiness, impaired coordination, and slowed reaction times.
- Increase the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
- Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, PCP):
- Distort perception, leading to impaired judgment and altered reality.
- Can cause unpredictable behavior and lack of coordination.
2. Legal Implications
- DUI/DWI Laws: Many jurisdictions have laws prohibiting driving under the
influence of drugs (DUID), similar to driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Zero Tolerance Policies: Some places have strict laws against any detectable
level of certain drugs in the system while driving.
- Penalties: Consequences for drug-related driving offenses can include fines,
license suspension, mandatory drug education programs, and imprisonment.
3. Testing Methods
- Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs): Used by law enforcement to assess impairment.
These tests evaluate coordination, balance, and cognitive function.
- Breathalyzers: Primarily for alcohol, but some devices can detect certain
drugs.
- Saliva Tests: Quick tests for recent drug use, detecting substances like
cannabis, opioids, and stimulants.
- Urine Tests: Can detect a wider range of drugs but have longer detection
windows.
- Blood Tests: Considered the most accurate for confirming drug presence and
concentration, often used in legal contexts.
4. Prevention Strategies
- Education and Awareness: Campaigns to educate drivers about the risks of
drug use and driving, including the effects of prescription medications.
- Designated Drivers: Encouraging the use of designated drivers or alternative
transportation options when using substances.
- Law Enforcement Training: Training officers in recognizing drug impairment
and conducting appropriate tests.
- Treatment Programs: Providing resources and support for individuals
struggling with substance use disorders.
Drugs and driving pose serious risks to public safety. Understanding the effects
of various substances, adhering to legal standards, and implementing prevention
strategies are essential for reducing the incidence of drug-related traffic
accidents. Law enforcement and public health initiatives play a critical role in
addressing this issue and promoting safer driving behaviors.

Dope tests
"Dope tests," commonly referred to as drug tests or drug screenings, are
assessments used to detect the presence of narcotics, drugs, or psychotropic
substances in an individual’s system. These tests are commonly employed in
various contexts, including workplace drug testing, sports, legal situations, and
medical assessments.
1. Types of Drug Tests
- Urine Testing:
- Most Common Method: Widely used due to its ease of collection and cost-
effectiveness.
- Detection Window: Typically detects drug use from a few days to several
weeks, depending on the substance.
- Blood Testing:
- Accuracy: Provides a precise measure of the drug concentration in the
bloodstream.
- Detection Window: Usually limited to hours to a few days after use.
- Saliva Testing:
- Non-Invasive: Simple to administer; uses oral swabs.
- Detection Window: Generally detects drug use within the past few hours to a
couple of days.
- Hair Testing:
- Long-Term Detection: Can identify drug use over the past 90 days or more.
- Collection: Requires a sample of hair, usually from the scalp.
2. Testing Methods
Immunoassays:
- Initial Screening: Commonly used for urine and saliva tests. Quick and cost-
effective, but may yield false positives.
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS):
- Confirmatory Testing: Highly accurate and specific; often used to confirm
positive results from initial screenings.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC):
- Another reliable method for confirmatory testing, particularly for specific
pharmaceuticals.
3. Commonly Tested Substances
- Marijuana (THC)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opioids (e.g., heroin, prescription painkillers)
- Benzodiazepines
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
4. Applications of Drug Testing
- Workplace Testing: To maintain safety and productivity, especially in safety-
sensitive positions.
- Sports Testing: To prevent doping and ensure fair competition.
- Legal Testing: In criminal cases, custody disputes, or probation requirements.
- Medical Monitoring: For patients on controlled substances to ensure
compliance with prescriptions.
Analysis of narcotics, drugs and psychotropic substances
in postmortem blood.
Analyzing narcotics, drugs, and psychotropic substances in postmortem blood is
a critical aspect of forensic toxicology. This analysis can provide valuable
information in death investigations, helping to determine the cause and manner
of death. Here’s an overview of the process, methods, considerations, and
implications of postmortem blood analysis:
1. Purpose of Analysis
- Determine Cause of Death: Establish if drugs contributed to or caused the
death.
- Identify Substances: Detect the presence and concentration of drugs, which
may provide insights into the circumstances surrounding the death.
- Legal Investigations: Aid law enforcement in criminal cases, such as
overdoses or homicides.
2. Sample Collection
- Method: Blood is typically collected during an autopsy.
- Site: Samples can be taken from various sites, including the heart (central
blood) or peripheral veins (e.g., femoral or jugular veins).
- Handling: Blood samples should be collected using sterile techniques and
stored in appropriate containers to prevent contamination and degradation.
3. Testing Methods
Initial Screening:
- Immunoassays: Often used as preliminary tests for a wide range of
substances due to their speed and ease of use.
Confirmatory Testing:
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): The gold standard for
confirmatory testing, providing accurate identification and quantification of
drugs.
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)**: Another method used
for specific drug detection and quantification.
4. Considerations in Postmortem Analysis
- Postmortem Redistribution: Drug concentrations can change after death due to
factors like tissue distribution and metabolism, which can complicate
interpretation.
- Decomposition: As decomposition progresses, drugs can degrade or change
form, impacting results.
Interpretation of Levels:
- Therapeutic vs. Toxic Levels: It's essential to compare detected
concentrations with known therapeutic and toxic levels to assess the
significance of findings.
- Chronic vs. Acute Use: Understanding whether the detected drugs were part
of a long-term regimen or recent use can be crucial.
5. Common Substances Analyzed
• Opioids: Heroin, morphine, fentanyl, and other prescription painkillers.
• Stimulants: Cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine.
• Depressants: Alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates.
• Cannabis: THC and its metabolites.

Postmortem changes affecting the analysis of narcotics,

drugs and psychotropic substances.
Postmortem changes can significantly impact the analysis of narcotics, drugs,
and psychotropic substances in deceased individuals. Understanding these
changes is crucial for accurate interpretation of toxicological results. Here are
some key factors to consider:
1. Postmortem Redistribution
Definition: After death, drugs can move from the tissues back into the
bloodstream, altering their concentration.
Impact:
- Concentrations in blood can increase or decrease based on factors such as
tissue perfusion and the lipid solubility of the drugs.
- For example, highly lipophilic drugs may accumulate in fat tissues and later
re-enter circulation, leading to misleadingly high blood levels.
2. Decomposition Processes
- Autolysis: The breakdown of cells and tissues begins shortly after death, which
can release stored drugs into the bloodstream or cause drug degradation.
- Putrefaction: Microbial activity can lead to the breakdown of substances,
potentially altering or destroying drugs in the system.
- Impact on Results: Decomposition can complicate the identification of drugs,
as they may degrade into different metabolites or completely disappear.
3. Environmental Factors
- Temperature: Higher temperatures can accelerate decomposition processes and
the breakdown of drugs.
-Humidity: Can affect the stability of certain substances, influencing their
detectability in blood or tissues.
4. Sample Collection and Site
- Site of Blood Collection: Blood drawn from different sites (e.g., central vs.
peripheral) can yield different concentrations due to redistribution and varying
degrees of decomposition.
- Time Since Death: The longer the time since death, the more pronounced the
changes, complicating the analysis.
5. Matrix Effects
-Blood vs. Other Tissues: Drug concentrations can vary significantly between
blood and other tissues (e.g., liver, brain, fat). Understanding the distribution in
various tissues is essential for interpretation.
- Clotting: Blood samples may clot postmortem, which can complicate analysis
and require special handling.
6. Drug Stability
- Chemical Degradation: Some drugs are unstable and can degrade into other
substances over time, affecting the ability to detect them.
- Light and Oxygen Exposure: Some substances may degrade when exposed to
light or oxygen, further complicating results.