A review of laboratory methods for the analysis of opiates and diluents in illicit drug traffic.
The paper summarizes the utility of currently available analytical techniques for the detection of heroin and other opiates in nonbiological samples. It focuses on the following techniques: thin-layer chromatography/high-performance thin-layer chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Recent innovations for the identification of compounds using high-performance liquid chromatographic techniques are also discussed. The applications of each methodology based on the experience of the authors are outlined.
D002845:Chromatography; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000032:analysis*; D007118:Immunoassay; D007753:Laboratories; D009294:Narcotics / Q000032:analysis*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000032:analysis*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*
D013287:Illicit Drugs; D009294:Narcotics; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations