Microcrystalline tests are used for identification of drugs in any sample.

2. Microcrystalline Test
For Drugs..
Presented by
Amarika Bhalchandra Mule
Volunteer
Applied Forensic Research Sciences

3. Content
 Introduction
 Procedure
 Example
 Advantages
 Disadvantages
 Reference.

4. Introduction
Microcrystalline Test : Confirmatory test.
It is a test that identifies the specific drug substance
based on shape and colour of crystals formed
when substance is mixed with specific reagent
 The number of crystals formed + their sizes can vary with
• temperature
• pressure
• hygrometry
 To check whether the drug is present or not.
.

5. Principle of the test: Chemical test resulting in formation of unique
microcrystal for specific sample.
The drug sample when combined with specific reagent
Micro crystals observed under the microscope.
 It can be applied to molecules of various sizes, shapes,
Specific and sensitive
 Forensic drug analysis : Qualitative type
(Identification of drug)

6. Procedure
A small quantity of drug sample on glass slide + a few drops of chemical reagent
Stirr gently (few seconds)
A chemical reaction takes place resulting in formation of crystals
It is the shape and colour of crystals which are the unique characters for specific drug .
The results obtained with a test reagent are then compared with
Reference or control standards available.
Crystals are observed under light microscope.

7. Substances that can be analyzed/identified
using microcrystalline test.
Over the years ,Analyst have developed hundreds of crystal tests
To identify most commonly abused drugs
Commonly abused drug that can be identified are
 Cocaine
 Heroin
 Methadone
 Amphetamines
 Ketamine
 Phencyclidine

8. One of the example of Microcrystalline test is
Cocaine :
Reagent : 5 % aqueous,1 g HAuCl4.3H2O,
make upto 20 ml.
Dissolve drug sample in few microliters
of acetic acid
Add few drops of reagent(Gold Chloride)
X shaped crystals bisected by a barbed rod, comb like cosses,
and red 1 compensator is observed .
Which indicates presence of cocaine.
Example

9. Advantages
 Cheap in cost.
 Simple instrumentation
 Very fast to administer
 The test are rapid .
 Don’t require the isolation/extraction of drug
 Minute amount of reagents are required.
 Highly sensitive .
 Simple rapid comparison.

10. Disadvantages
One of the main disadvantage is-
 The sample used in the test which may be very crucial/important for people
Who are bringing it can be destroyed in the process due to chemical reaction.
 The expert is required to perform and to interpret the results in this test.

11. References
http://courseware.cutm.ac.in
http://www.ojp.gov

12. THANK YOU