Indications to Perform a Complete Analysis of a Drug of Abuse

 

Chemical analysis:

(1) To help to determine the source of the drug – pharmaceutical vs illegal synthesis.

(2) To identify certain byproducts that may help to identify a given source and/or method of production.

(3) To identify a chemical contaminant or byproduct that may be causing an adverse effect.

(4) To identify a cutting agents that may be contributing to toxic effects.

(5) To determine the purity of the product (a person tolerant of a dilute form may overdose on the pure compound).

(6) To identify a toxin contained with the drug such as a pesticide.

 

Microbiological analysis:

(1) To identify micro-organisms that may be causing complications (fungus, bacteria, anaerobic spore).