Primary Article

Rapid Identification of Pills, Capsules, and Other Forms of Drugs

Authors: RICHARD C. KAMM PhD, MD, GEORGE M. McCORMICK II PhD, MD

Abstract

Abstract:Widespread distribution of drugs of abuse has made it necessary for the physician to have relatively simple screening tests for identifying legend drugs. Such screening tests should have their greatest value in an emergency room setting to rapidly identify pills, capsules, or other forms of drugs. Methods are presented for the identification of opium alkaloids, amphetamines, barbiturates, and marijuana. General remarks on laboratory procedures are made. It should be emphasized that the tests presented are preliminary, and portions of substances identified must be referred to the proper law enforcement agencies for final identification. In addition, the proper biologic samples must be obtained from patients for identification of overdoses.

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References