In-field sensors for the detection of illicit drugs

非法药物分析的假定现场测试包通常基于产生有色产品的化学现场测试。虽然相对容易使用，但这种检测试剂盒（含有湿化学物质）产生不确定的颜色变化，缺乏灵敏度，选择性需要审查员的主观评估。尽管存在这些限制，这些检测试剂盒仍被广泛使用，并被常规使用。本研究旨在开发用于检测和识别非法药物的特定现场传感器。这将大大提高法医工作人员确认查获材料的身份的能力。增加特异性将为调查人员提供关于癫痫性质的有价值的早期建议，并减少假阳性结果的可能性。灵敏度的提高将使分析来自与非法毒品托运有关的个人或地点的微量物质成为可能。

Presumptive field test kits for illicit drugs analysis are typically based on chemical spot tests that produce a coloured product. While relatively easy to apply, such test kits (containing wet chemicals) produce inconclusive colour changes lacking sensitivity, and selectivity requiring a subjective assessment by the examiner. Despite these limitations, these test kits are in widespread use and are routinely used. This study aims to develop specific in-field sensors for the detection and identification of illicit drugs. This would significantly enhance the ability of Forensic Services staff to confirm the identity of seized material. Increased specificity would provide valuable early advice to investigators regarding the nature of a seizure and would reduce the likelihood of false positive results. Increased sensitivity would permit the analysis of trace amounts of material from individuals or locations related to an illicit drug consignment.