Forensic Pharmacology
Drug Analysis Testing- cyanide contamination
Background
The use of both qualitative and quantitative tests for drugs and poisons is becoming increasingly
important. Athletes participating in competitions are routinely screened for drug use, police
laboratories test for drug abuse, environmental scientists test for the presence of poisons or
contaminants. The use of forensic analysis, using chemistry, to gather evidence is used more and
more in legal matters.
Scenario
After 30 people from the Ealing area were admitted to Ealing Hospital, tests
revealed that some were suffering with cyanide poisoning. Police investigating
the incident, discovered that all shopped in a local Pound Shop and had each
brought the same brand of mouthwash. The product was immediately
recalled and the remaining 5 bottles in the shop were sent to the laboratory
for further tests.
Within this laboratory test, you will undertake qualitative tests to determine
which, if any, of the remaining 5 bottles of mouthwash are contaminated /
poisoned with cyanide.
The reaction used to determine a positive test produces a red chemical ferric
thiocyanate Fe (CNS)3
Safety
The reagents used may cause skin irritation and eye burns, so gloves and safety
glasses must be worn, together with a properly fastened laboratory coat.
Prepare the test solution as directed.
Method
1. Obtain 5 small beakers and label them 1 to 5.
2. Dispense 4 mLs of each of the mouthwash samples directly into their corresponding beaker.
3. Add 1 drop of 10% sodium hydroxide solution to each beaker. Swirl to mix.
4. Add 5 drops of 10% ferrous sulphate solution to each beaker. Swirl to mix.
5. Add 5 drops of dilute hydrochloric acid solution to each beaker. Swirl to mix.
6. Record your observations and determine which, if any, mouthwashes were contaminated.
7. Prepare a fully labelled table of your results and observations.
Please place all used GLOVES in the rubbish bin by the hand washing sinks as you exit the labs.
Drug Analysis Testing- cyanide contamination
Background
The use of both qualitative and quantitative tests for drugs and poisons is becoming increasingly
important. Athletes participating in competitions are routinely screened for drug use, police
laboratories test for drug abuse, environmental scientists test for the presence of poisons or
contaminants. The use of forensic analysis, using chemistry, to gather evidence is used more and
more in legal matters.
Scenario
After 30 people from the Ealing area were admitted to Ealing Hospital, tests
revealed that some were suffering with cyanide poisoning. Police investigating
the incident, discovered that all shopped in a local Pound Shop and had each
brought the same brand of mouthwash. The product was immediately
recalled and the remaining 5 bottles in the shop were sent to the laboratory
for further tests.
Within this laboratory test, you will undertake qualitative tests to determine
which, if any, of the remaining 5 bottles of mouthwash are contaminated /
poisoned with cyanide.
The reaction used to determine a positive test produces a red chemical ferric
thiocyanate Fe (CNS)3
Safety
The reagents used may cause skin irritation and eye burns, so gloves and safety
glasses must be worn, together with a properly fastened laboratory coat.
Prepare the test solution as directed.
Method
1. Obtain 5 small beakers and label them 1 to 5.
2. Dispense 4 mLs of each of the mouthwash samples directly into their corresponding beaker.
3. Add 1 drop of 10% sodium hydroxide solution to each beaker. Swirl to mix.
4. Add 5 drops of 10% ferrous sulphate solution to each beaker. Swirl to mix.
5. Add 5 drops of dilute hydrochloric acid solution to each beaker. Swirl to mix.
6. Record your observations and determine which, if any, mouthwashes were contaminated.
7. Prepare a fully labelled table of your results and observations.
Please place all used GLOVES in the rubbish bin by the hand washing sinks as you exit the labs.
