NCJ Number
123774
Journal
Forensic Science Review Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (December 1989) Pages: 104-119
Date Published
1989
Length
16 pages
Annotation
The technology of ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) has gradually improved, so that this technique will probably become increasingly useful in applications involving the detection of contraband drugs and hidden explosives.
Abstract
The potential of IMS for these purposes has been recognized for 20 years, and laboratory studies have shown its effectiveness in detecting single-component chemical systems. However, problems involved in monitoring vapors in the ambient atmosphere have required efforts to increase the sensitivity and specificity of IMS instruments. Portable and hand-held instruments have now been developed and are currently being tested as monitors for detecting and identifying drugs and explosives. Possible applications include the preliminary screening of emergency patients with drug-related overdoses, the identification of materials suspected of being narcotics, noninvasive searches of people suspected of handling contraband drugs, and identification of explosives on suspects or debris. Advances have also occurred in techniques related to the detection of hidden drugs or explosives. Finally, the performance of the IMS instruments will probably be superior to that of other portable instruments due to a variety of technical features. Figures, tables, and 57 references.