Screening tests are nonspecific tests used by forensic scientists to identify several possible drugs present in a sample. Color tests and microcrystalline tests can indicate the presence of drugs in the field. Spectrophotometry uses how light is absorbed or reflected to identify drugs, with infrared spectrophotometry uniquely identifying compounds. Forensic scientists use various tests on drug samples to prove possession and influence in court cases.

1. 1. What are club drugs? What are some of the factors that support the use of club drugs?
Club drugs are synthetic drugs that are typically used in bars, night clubs, raves, and
other gatherings. Some of these drugs have become popular in these settings because they are
thought to enhance or improve the experience, they also have no side effects and dangers. The
settings of raves and nightclubs also support the use of these drugs. Their small and often tablet
form make them easy to conceal and with all the people moving and dancing, people who take
them are often not as noticeable as they may be in other settings.
2. What are screening tests? Why are they used?
Screening tests are those that are nonspecific and help a forensic scientist identify
several particular drugs that the substance is likely to be. These types of tests are useful when
they provide positive and negative results since the forensic scientists can rule out certain types
of drugs from the possibilities.
3. What are color tests? Why are these tests used?
Color tests involve introducing a chemical reagent to the drug and observing whether or
not the material changes color. They are sometimes used in the field by crime scene
investigators to determine whether or not a drug is present at a scene or not.
4. What are microcrystalline tests? What information do they provide?
Microcrystalline tests involve exposing the substance to a reagent and then examining
the color and morphology (including shape) of the crystals that form. It is much more specific
than color tests in identifying a particular drug as the size, color, and shape of the crystals will
differ for each specific drug.
5. What is spectrophotometry? How can this be useful in identifying drugs?
Different drugs and materials absorb UV and ultraviolet light differently. This provides
another way for forensic scientists to examine materials. Like color tests, UV spectrophotometry
cannot positively identify a particular drug, as there may be other materials with the drug that
could influence the results. However, the test is a very useful one when determining if a drug is
present. A spectrophotometry device can emit both UV and infrared light as it measures how a
sample either reflects or absorbs the light. Though ultraviolet spectrophotometry cannot
positively identify a drug, infrared spectrophotometry can, since the pattern of light is unique to
each type of compound.
6. Why are forensic scientists an important part of drug cases?
Forensic scientists can use different types of tests to identify a substance in a suspected
meth lab, when someone is caught with a possible drug they can help prove that they did in fact
have the drug in possession, when someone is thought to be under the influence of drugs a
forensic scientist can help prove that they were on drugs. Especially if they had been on drugs
while committing a crime.
7. If you were a forensic scientist and you were called to a crime scene to see if drugs were
present, what would you do to determine this?

2. I would do one of the color tests, a spectrophotometry test or a microcrystalline test to
see if there were drugs present at a crime scene.
8. Why is it important for forensic scientists to have as much information as possible about the
place where a possible drug substance was found?
It is important to know as much as possible about the area where a possible substance
was found because some materials will affect the results of a drug test.
9. What are some of the difficulties in identifying particular drugs? Why is it important for
forensic scientists to be able to identify particular drugs?
Many different drugs such as street drugs are mixed with a lot of simple household
items, such as sugar, starch or quinine. The forensic scientist must be able to tell the difference
between the substances. Many court cases that involve drugs rely exclusively on the forensic
scientists findings. They must be able to prove that the substance found was actually a drug and
not say a package of sugar or another legal substance.