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15/05/2015
New Test Developed To Detect Cocaine Use Through A Fingerprint
A new test has been developed that can detect cocaine use through a fingerprint, according to research published in the journal Analyst.
Led by the University of Surrey, a team of researchers from the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NL), the National Physical Laboratory (UK), King's College London (UK) and Sheffield Hallam University (UK), used different types of an analytical chemistry technique, known as mass spectrometry, to analyse the fingerprints of patients attending drug treatment services. They tested the prints against more commonly used saliva samples to determine whether the two tests correlated.
Researchers believe that the applications for this test could be far-reaching. Drug testing is used routinely by probation services, prisons, courts and other law enforcement agencies. However, traditional testing methods have limitations.
For example, blood testing requires trained staff and there are privacy concerns about urine testing. Where bodily fluids are tested, there can be biological hazards and often a requirement for particular storage and disposal methods. Often these tests also require analysis off-site.
It is anticipated that the technology could see the introduction of portable drug tests for law enforcement agencies to use within the next decade.
(CD/JP)
Led by the University of Surrey, a team of researchers from the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NL), the National Physical Laboratory (UK), King's College London (UK) and Sheffield Hallam University (UK), used different types of an analytical chemistry technique, known as mass spectrometry, to analyse the fingerprints of patients attending drug treatment services. They tested the prints against more commonly used saliva samples to determine whether the two tests correlated.
Researchers believe that the applications for this test could be far-reaching. Drug testing is used routinely by probation services, prisons, courts and other law enforcement agencies. However, traditional testing methods have limitations.
For example, blood testing requires trained staff and there are privacy concerns about urine testing. Where bodily fluids are tested, there can be biological hazards and often a requirement for particular storage and disposal methods. Often these tests also require analysis off-site.
It is anticipated that the technology could see the introduction of portable drug tests for law enforcement agencies to use within the next decade.
(CD/JP)
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