In-field sensors for the detection of illicit drugs

用于非法药物分析的推定现场测试试剂盒通常基于产生有色产品的化学现场测试。虽然应用相对容易，但这种试剂盒(包含湿化学品)会产生不确定的颜色变化，缺乏灵敏度和选择性，需要主考者进行主观评估。尽管存在这些限制，但这些测试试剂盒仍在广泛使用，并经常使用。这项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。这将大大提高法医处工作人员确认被扣押材料身份的能力。更高的特异性将为调查人员提供关于癫痫发作性质的宝贵早期建议，并将减少假阳性结果的可能性。灵敏度的提高将使分析来自个人或地点的与非法药物寄售有关的微量材料成为可能。

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.