Screening/spot test of narcotics

Abstract

Narcotics are the substances used to treat moderate to severe pain. They could be natural like opiates such as morphine, codeine etc., synthetic like fentanyl, methadone etc., and semi-synthetic like oxycodone, hydrocodone etc. These drugs act as pain relievers, induces the state of stupor or sleep, and increase the physical dependence on them. In forensic autopsy case, the forensic pathologist may require a complete toxicological investigation for different poisons including stimulants. In India, Forensic Science Laboratories run by Government under the Home ministry usually carry out this. The samples must be analysed by the forensic toxicologist/chemists/scientist. This article deals with the screening/spot test for narcotics. It attempts to simplify the standard procedures in a step-wise manner, which can be of handy reference for the forensic toxicologist.