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Storage of Forensic Urine Drug Specimens as Dry Stains: Recovery and Stability

NCJ Number
165760
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 41 Issue: 5 Dated: (September 1996) Pages: 845-850
Author(s)
I S DuBey; Y H Caplan
Date Published
1996
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The feasibility of storing forensic urine drug specimens as dry stains on Whatman #3 paper was studied by evaluating drug stability and recovery from stains.
Abstract
Drug stains prepared from urine were stored at -20 degrees C, 4 degrees C, and room temperature for a period of 12 weeks. The study included amphetamine, benzoylecgonine, 11-nor-delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH), morphine, and phencyclidine (PCP) as eluted from strains as follows: methanol:saline (1:1) for PCP and THC-COOH, saline for benzoylecgonine and carbonate/bicarbonate buffer pH 9.1 for amphetamine and morphine. Stains were eluted from the support matrix (Whatman #3 filter paper), extracted, and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Results showed that drugs were stable under all storage conditions except the THC-COOH urine stain stored at room temperature; this stain degraded to zero after 12 weeks. When kept frozen or refrigerated, drug stains appeared to provide a viable means for storing positive urine specimens. 19 references, 1 table, and 5 figures

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