title: A review of laboratory methods for the analysis of opiates and diluents in illicit drug traffic.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs; D009294:Narcotics; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations