AST April 2018 Magazine AST April Magazine (3.30.18) | Page 57

GC/MS is an ideal tool for clan-lab
Volume 22
assessments,
because it can sepa-
rate out multiple drugs in a single,
complex sample.
April 2018 Edition
One of the most common sample
preparation techniques for unknown
powders is a solvent extraction.
This technique involves adding the
powder to an organic-based solvent.
A syringe is then used to extract a very
small portion of the organic-based
liquid sample and inject it into the
GC-MS for analysis.
Many chemicals can be detected and
analyzed in the vapor phase, includ-
ing solvents used in the production
of narcotics.
Pyridine is a common solvent used
in the production of fentanyl and is
likely to be discovered in a clan-lab
scenario.
In-Field Sample Collection, Decon, and Chemical Identification
A GC-MS can be placed into Vapor
Confirmation Mode and exposed to pyridine.
SUMMARY
GC/MS has long played a critical role in tradition-
al laboratory-based chemical analysis and is the
gold-standard for forensic analysis.
But chemical emergencies rarely occur in the safety of a
laboratory as evidenced by the rise in street drugs and
clan-labs.
Chemical emergencies can happen anywhere, ex-
tending the need for GC-MS equipment beyond the
lab.
(Learn More. Unknown powders. They can be almost anything!
In FLIR PRIMED episode 11, Grant Coffey, CBRNE expert covers
safe scene risk assesment, what to look for, and who to call.)
Person-portable GC-MS systems provide the ability to FLIR Systems is a Two-Time Platinum Winner in
confirm clandestine production of illicit drugs via same the 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards
day analysis.
Program.
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