QuickCheck™ Presumptive Drug Field Kits Evaluation - Technology Evaluation

• NCJ Number: 234036
• Author(s): National Forensic Science Technology Center
• Date Published: November 2007
• Length: 7 pages
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Award: FY2008 Forensic Technologies Center of Excellence

Annotation

This report presents the methodology and findings of a validation study of QuickCheckTM Drug Test Kits manufactured by the Lynn Peavey Company. The validation study determined that all four kits displayed sufficient sensitivity to detect the drugs of interest (cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin) at concentrations commonly encountered in street samples.

Abstract

The information obtained from the validation study will be made available to law enforcement agencies through the Field Investigation Drug Officer (FIDO) program developed by the National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC). This program currently uses field based test kits for the presumptive identification of cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. In addition, all four kits demonstrated reproducible results for all the drugs of interest over 10 consecutive work days. The report advises that the kits perform a presumptive test, so they do not provide any structural information and are subject to false positives. Any samples that produce ambiguous results should be sent to the laboratory for a complete analysis. Kits can be used only on powdered substances, and the kits should be stored in environmental conditions that will not influence the integrity of the test kit or its components. Users should complete a training program that includes practical assessments, competency demonstration, written examination, and proficiency testing. Guidelines are offered for ensuring the health and safety of those using the kits. 2 tables