OSACSeized DrugsSubcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by controlled substance/seized drug chemists. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

Nov 22, 2022 PAGE1 Seized DrugsProcessMap (Current Practice)

Introduction

The National Instituteof StandardsandTechnology(NIST) facilitatedthedevelopment of thisSeizedDrugsProcessMapthrougha

collaborationbetweenthe NISTForensicScience ResearchProgramandthe NISTadministeredOrganizationof ScientificArea

Committees(OSAC) for ForensicSciences(specificallyOSAC?sSeizedDrugsSubcommittee). Processmappingvisuallyrepresentsthe

critical stepsanddecisionpointsof a workflow, allowingotherstounderstanda processanditscomponentsmoreclearlyand

revealingareasof improvement. Processmapsuse standardsymbolstodescribe eachelement intheprocess?e.g., inputs,

outputs, decisions, andsteps?makingit easiertocommunicate a processthanlong-formdocumentation.

TheSeizedDrugsProcessMapcapturesthedecision-makingandprocessflowdetailsmost frequentlyencounteredinthe

disciplineof seizeddrugexaminationandprocessing. It wasdevelopedbya diversegroupof practitionersandisintendedto

reflect current practiceswithinthe field. TheSeizedDrugsProcessMapdepictsvariationsinpractice that maybe influencedby

agencysize, agencytype (publicvsprivate), agencypolicies, geographical locationandjurisdiction. Certainprocesses

representedinthemaphave a requiredsequencewhileother componentsmayvary. For thisreason, it isimportant tostate that

theOSACSeizedDrugsSubcommitteedoesnot necessarily support or endorse (asbest practices) all of thedifferent stepsand

pathsdepictedinthisprocessmap.

ProcessMap Applications:

TheSeizedDrugsProcessMapisintendedtobeusedtohelpimprove efficiencieswhile reducingerrors, highlight gapswhere

furtherresearchor standardizationwouldbe beneficial, andassist withtrainingnew investigators. It mayalsobeusedto

developspecificinvestigativepoliciesandidentifybest practices.

Scope of theSeized DrugsProcessMap:

The scopeof theSeizedDrugsprocessmapislimitedtocoreprocesseswithinthe disciplineof seizeddrugs;therefore, certaintopics

areomittedfromthismapsuchasmorphologicalfeaturesof cannabis. These topicsmaycoveredinfuture processmapping

exercises.
OSACSeized DrugsSubcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by controlled substance/seized drug chemists. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

Nov 22, 2022 PAGE2 Seized DrugsProcessMap (Current Practice)

3000- Analysis

9000 - Other Examinations (not included in thismap)*

1000 - Administrative Assessment 2000 - Technical Assessment

4000 ? Reporting and Verification

Intake Criteria

Assessment

Inquiry Received

Examiner

Evidence

Intake/

Inspection

Underlined Word

Word that will be defined

in the glossary

Technology Assist

Technology that aidsin the steps on thispage

Input Box Outlinesthe inputsat

the beginningof each section

Output Box Describesan

output of the

steps on the

page

Discontinuation

of Assessment

or Examination

Selection for

Analysis

Pharmaceutical

or Illicit

Preparations

Report

Screening/

Preliminary

Testing

Verification

Technical/

Administrative Review

Plant Material Fungal

Sample Item

Description

Test Plan Pre-Analysis/

Triage

Morphological

featuresof

cannabis

Liquids Gummy/Tar/

Wax

Legend

Processstart/end

Process

Decision

Subprocess

Document

Case Intake/

Acceptance Case Suitabiity

THCProducts

Crystalline/

Powder/

Chunky

Instrumental

Analysis/

Confirmatory

Testing

Subsampling/

Bulk

Acceptance

Other/Paper/LSD/

Gases/Dipped

Cigarettes/

Residue

Referral/

Contract/

Subcontract

Determine Quantity/Volume/

Weight

Item

Characterization

5000 ? Disposition

Final

Disposition Packaging

Evidence

Storage FileStorage

SamplingPlan

Threshold/

Quantitative

AnalysisPlan

Linkage

TO/FROM

within the

same page

Linkage

TO/FROM

another

page
OSACSeized DrugsSubcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by controlled substance/seized drug chemists. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

Nov 22, 2022 PAGE3 Seized DrugsProcessMap (Current Practice)

1000 - AdministrativeAssessment (1 of 3)

Request Received

1010

Screen for case acceptancecriteria per agency/laboratory policy (PAP) in

coordination with requester:

- Meet approval requirements?

- Required documentation received (e.g., entered into LIMS; LIMSrequest made)?

- Analysistimeframe appropriate?

- Sufficient case related information (e.g., police report, chargesfiled)?

- Is any necessary information available concerning legal requirements,

agency regulations, etc.?

- Are appropriate resourcesavailable for the request?(e.g., time, expertise,

instrument capabilities) Consider requestssuch as:

- Bulk seizures

- DNArequests(for plant material, i.e. cannabis)

- Biological sample (toxicology/bodily fluids)

- Residue

- Legislation-based requests

- Identification of isomers(e.g., methorphan)

- Poisons

- Weighing of liquid samples

- Syringes

- Paraphernalia

1008

Evaluate for case

acceptance

criteria?

1012

Doesit meet

acceptance

criteria?

1026

Discontinue

Evidence Receiving and

proceed PAP

1018

Can the issue be

addressed?

1016

Isthe issue due to

time, resources, or

expertise?

1022

Send back to

requester?

GOTO

1110

Admin

Assessment

(2 of 3)

1024

Return evidence to

requester and

proceed PAP

1020

Resolve issue(s)

PAP

1032

Is caseable to be

referred to another

lab for

analysis?

1028

Communicate with requester

to determine if some

questionsor requestscan be

fulfilled.

1030

Can lab fulfill

alternative

request?

GOTO

1110

Admin

Assessment

(2 of 3)

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

1014

Issampling required

prior to

acceptance?

GOTO

1126

Admin

Assessment

(2 of 3)

Yes

1036

Reject case and/or

discontinue

evidence receiving

and proceed PAP

1046

Review report?

1040

Report received?

1044

STOP/Note

communications

and document

PAP

1048

Issues found?

1050

Request amended

report

1052

File report and

proceed PAP

Yes Yes

No No

1042

Is there

additional

evidenceto

process?

No

GOTO

1035 Yes

1034

Is there

additional

evidenceto

process?

RETURN

TO

1008

Yes

No

No

1054

Is there

additional

evidenceto

process?

Yes

1056

STOP/Document

PAP

No

1038

Refer or outsource

to another lab PAP

Technology Assist

- Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

- Record Management System (RMS)

- Field Based Reporting (FBR)

- State law reference database

- Scanners

- Phones

- Computers

GOTO

1102

Admin

Assessment

(2 of 3)

Yes

Yes 1004

Schedule for evidence

submission/drop off

1002

Isit necessary to

schedule a time for drop-off

of the evidence

submission?

1006

Maintain evidence in a secure manner pending further

assessment

No

Yes

No

GOTO

1102

Admin

Assessment

(2 of 3)

1035

Isthe evidence at the

lab/agency?

Yes

RETURN

TO

1002

No

GOTO

1035
OSACSeized DrugsSubcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by controlled substance/seized drug chemists. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

Nov 22, 2022 PAGE4 Seized DrugsProcessMap (Current Practice)

1100 - Administrative Assessment (2 of 3)

1110

Doesthe vault capacity

need to be assessed?(i.e., a

large/bulk seizure)?

1112

Assessvault storage

capacity

Yes

1116

Isthere adequate

space for storage in

vault?

1122

Communicate with

requester regarding

sampling

1124

Can arrangementsbe made to meet onsite or

outside at an alternative

location/facility to collect

samplesfrom the bulk

seizure?

1126

Can the requester

downsize or perform

their own

sampling?

1130

Advise requester to

return another time

when there isvault

space available?

1132

STOP/Communicate with requester and

request return at a more favorable time for

capacity requirements

PAP

1120

Reject case/

discontinue

evidence receiving

and proceed PAP

1114

Doesthe submission

proceed directly to

vault?

1118

Communicate

with requester

regardingcapacity

and

sampling?

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

No

1144

Meet at appropriate

location or facility on or

offsite if required and

conduct any necessary

pre-vault activities(e.g.

sampling, verification, weight, etc.) PAP

1134

Communicate with

requester regarding

guidance for

sampling

1138

Is assistance neededPAP(e.g.,

for sampling, weighing,

verifying, etc.)

1140

Locate approved personnel

PAP

1142

Develop test plan (may be written or unwritten):

- Determine personnel needed

- Determine who will be performing tasks(e.g.,

coring, taking notes, documenting, etc.)

- Determine suppliesneeded (markers, balance, large

scale for full grossweight, etc.)

- Develop and perform communications(e.g., storage

personnel, between management/analyst and

investigator/submitter)

- Determine case priorityPAP

- Assessprosecution status

- Use knowledge and experience asnecessary

- Verify submission

- Weigh submission if needed

1146

Isagency required to

resubmit?

RETURNTO

1002

Admin

Assessment

(1 of 3)

1152

Assign casenow?

1154

Case assigned by

supervisor/manager/

self based on agency

criteriaor priorityPAP

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

GOTO

1150

1136

requester performs

sampling activities

per communications

No

1145

Initiate or complete

appropriate

disposition procedures

for any itemsnot

undergoing further

analysis PAP

1150

Transfer evidence to

vault (in coordination

with requester as

needed) and assign

unique identifiers

PAP

1102

Assign case to

Analyst now?

Yes

No

1108

Case assigned to

analyst PAP

1104

Self assign case?

1106

Case assigned by

supervisor/manager

based on agency

criteria/priority PAP

No

Yes Yes

GOTO1114

GOTO1114

GOTO

1200

Admin

Assessment

(3 of 3)

No

Technology Assist

- Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

- Record Management System (RMS)

- Field Based Reporting (FBR)

- State law reference database

- Scanners

- Phones

- Computers

- Large top load balance

- Coring tools

No

FROM

1008/1012

Admin

Assessment

(1 of 3)

FROM 1014

Admin

Assessment

(1 of 3)

FROM

1020/1030

Admin

Assessment

(1 of 3)

GOTO

1146

1115

Issampling needed? Yes

GOTO

1200

Admin

Assessment

(3 of 3)

No

Yes
OSACSeized DrugsSubcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by controlled substance/seized drug chemists. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

Nov 22, 2022 PAGE5 Seized DrugsProcessMap (Current Practice)

1200 - Administrative Assessment (3 of 3)

1224

Assesscaseprioritization PAPe.g.:

- Rush/priority request

- Person of interest in jail

- Court date set

- Someitemsalready processed

- Grand jury

- Official priority based on agency mission

- An ongoing investigation

- Publicsafety or warrant

- Rework as aresult from previousanalysis

1204

Are there any

issuesto be addressed

(i.e., packaging,

seals)?

1208

Conduct content

inspection

internally?

1206

Can the issue be

corrected/

repaired?

1212

requester content

inspection

1210

Conduct internal

content inspection

1220

Correct/repair PAP Yes Yes

No

Yes

No

1214

Hasthe issue been

corrected/

repaired?

Yes

1216

Isthere

additional evidence

to process?

1218

STOP/document

PAP

No

Yes

No

1240

Output

- Assessed vault capacity

- Possible initial test plan

- Possible evidence sampling

- Case prioritization

- Evidence intake

- Case assignment

- Evidence transferred to vault

- Evidence items with unique identifiers

- Possible communications with customer

1222

Initiate evidencereceivingprocessper agency policy (PAP):

- Label with unique Case Identifier (if not already done)

- Label with unique Item designation for evidence (if not

already done)

- Generate receipt and provide to submittingagency

- Ensure proper packaging and sealing

- Initiate Laboratory chain of custody

- Generate appropriate documentation PAP

- Enter case information into LIMS

- Mark with biohazard sticker or other marking asneeded

- Ensure proper storage and security of item(s)

1202

Evaluate for proper

packaging and sealing

1226

Has casebeen

assigned to

analyst?

Yes

No

Technology Assist

- Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

- Evidence tracking system

- Record Management System (RMS)

- Field Based Reporting (FBR)

- State law reference database

- Scanners

- Phones

- Computers

- Large top load balance

- Coring tools

FROM

1115/1154

Admin

Assessment

(2 of 3)

No

1230

Case self- assigned or

assigned by

supervisor/manager

based on agency

criteria/priority PAP

GOTO

2000

Tech

Assessment

(1 of 5)

1225

Ensure proper

storage and security

(e.g., put into vault

or other secure area

PAP)

1207

Conduct content

inspection?

Yes

1209

Proceed with

appropriate disposition

of evidence/package

PAP(e.g., return to

submitting agency,

return to vault, etc.)

No

RETURN TO

1008

Admin

Assessment

(1 of 3)

1217

Is the evidence at the

lab/agency?

RETURN TO

1002

Admin

Assessment

(1 of 3)

Yes

No
OSACSeized DrugsSubcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by controlled substance/seized drug chemists. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

Nov 22, 2022 PAGE6 Seized DrugsProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 2000 - Tech Assessment (1 of 5) Examiner Evidence Intake

2002

Input

- Case assigned to analyst

- Possible initial test plan

- Possible evidence

samples

- Evidence items with

unique identifiers

- Communications with

requester

2010

Inspect Seals, labels on

outer- parent- container

of package(s) selected

2012

Is the package(s) sealed

PAP?

Yes

No

2060

STOP/discontinue

PAP

2050

Document/photograph/

communicate with requester PAPcontact supervisor,

investigating officer, internal

affairs

2052

Isthere additional

evidence to be

processed?

GOTO

2004

2054

Proceed with any

current items that

appear to be

suitable?

2030

Proceed with analysis?

2040

Document any issues

observed and any resolution

2016

Can the integrity

issue

be corrected by

technician or

analyst?

2020

Can requester resolve

issue?

2018

Correct issuesand/or

re-seal PAP

2024

Can officer resolve

issue?

2022

Contact requester

for correction PAP

2026

Contact officer for

correction PAP

GOTO

2010

2008

Assesssafety considerationsand choose the appropriate safety

controls per SOPor agency policy:

- Handling(e.g. under hood vsin open)

- PPE(e.g., gloves, lab coat, mask, goggles, tyvek suit,

respirator)

- Packaging(e.g., secondary container to prevent contact)

- Storage

- Labeling

- Lifesaving/health remediation (e.g. nalaxone (Narcan))

- Engineeringcontrols(e.g., ventilation, air circulation,

negative pressure, fumehood)

- Notification of personnel re: safety concerns

- Internal controls(e.g., two people present during

handling)

2006

Arethere any safety

concerns(e.g. bloodbourne

pathogens, syringes, fentanyl)

to

consider?

2004

Review case

documentation and

submission form

Yes

2014

Analyst transfers,

acceptstransfer, or

assignsevidence into

their custody (if not

done already) and

updateschain of

custody (CoC)

documentation PAP

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes Yes

No

Yes

No

No

No

GOTO

2100

Tech

Assessment

(2 of 5)

No

Technology Assist

- Scanner

- Computers

FROM

1240

Admin

Assessment

(3 of 3)
OSACSeized DrugsSubcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by controlled substance/seized drug chemists. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

Nov 22, 2022 PAGE7 Seized DrugsProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 2100 - Tech Assessment (2 of 5) Evidence Inspection

FROM 2014

Tech Assessment

(1 of 5)

2106

Document evidence asreceivedandcompare todocumentation:

-List anddescribe evidence asreceivedincludingpackaging

description(e.g., materials, whether sealsare intact)

-Document CoCinformationincludingitemnumbers

-Comparedocumentationandevidence item(s) toCoCand/or

other documentationtoverifycontents

-Note anyadditionalrequestsor previousanalyses(i.e.

fingerprints)

-Takedescriptor photosasneededPAP

2104

Open the outer - parent

container- outermost

package asdefined by

agency or LIMS- (and

record the opening of

package and/or any seal(s)

either on packagingor in

notesPAP)

2102

Isthere outer

packagingin place that

needsto be opened or

removed in order to view

and inspect

evidence?

No

Yes

2130

Use knowledge, training, experience, preference,

and/or agency policy to choose the appropriate

action(s):

Fix on own

2140

Supervisory input or

internal affairsreferral PAP

Reach out to evidence or

property management

unit

Contact requester to

advise on how to proceed

(send back, guidance on

how to fix issue etc)

Missing item(s)

Discrepancy in item count

or mislabeled packaging

Missing, incorrect, or

illegible label(s)

Improper seal(s) (e.g., PAPseal unmarked, holein

packaging, missing tape,

leakages, tears, rips, etc.)

Incorrect description(s)

Chain of custody issues

2108

Are there any discrepancies(e.g.,

itemsin the container not asdescribed,

documentation inaccurate and incomplete, or has

any evidence been removed, spilled out,

or contaminantsintroduced)?

STOP/REPORTPAP

2120

Document/photograph PAP

Commingled item(s)

Inappropriately packaged

item(s) PAP

Contaminated item(s)

Contact supervisor and/or QA/QCPAPre: CoCissue

Evidence unsuitable (e.g., moldy etc.)

Yes

2110

Assessobservationsand/or discrepancies(choose all that

apply):

GOTO

2200

Tech

Assessment

(3 of 5)

2150

Continue?

2170

Discontinue

and proceed

PAP

Yes

No

GOTO

2180

No

2160

Is there any

additional evidence

to process?

RETURN TO

2004

Tech

Assessment

(1 of 5)

Yes

No

Technology Assist

- Scissors

- Camera

- Computer

- LIMS

2180

Remove any outer

packaging that hasnot

already been removed
OSACSeized DrugsSubcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by controlled substance/seized drug chemists. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

Nov 22, 2022 PAGE8 Seized DrugsProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 2200 - Tech Assessment (3 of 5) Pre-Analysis/Triage

FROM

2180

Tech Assessment

(2 of 5)

2212

Send evidence

back to requester

or evidence vault

for repackaging

PAP

2206

Establish sub-itemsand

designationsasneeded

PAP

2202

Do itemsneed to

be sorted, grouped,

separated, or

otherwise

organized?

2208

Is(re)packaging

needed?

2210

Repackage items myself?

2214

Repackage Item(s)

PAP

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

2234

Proceed with all

itemsPAP

2230

Proceed with all

items?

2240

Select Item(s) to proceed with based on:

- requester questions

- requester limiting(e.g.,

requester-driven number of itemsor

order of priority)

- Specific request from officer

- Predetermined protocol (e.g., per

client, contract, or agreement)

- PAP

- Statistical sampling plan

- Pending court case

- Jurisdictional considerations

- Evidence probativity (e.g., best

evidence for case)

- Priority (e.g., inferred agency or

statutory threshold, time, length of

process, instrument time etc)

- Analyst discretion (e.g., easy v difficult)

- Sample suitability or condition (e.g., moldy cannabis)

2242

Continue with any

items?

Thresholds

- Weight

- Units

- Dosage

- Count

- Volume

- Value

- Density

- Abuse unit

2236

Do(es) the sample(s)

appear to be something

familiar or known?

2220

Recall, research or review the following asnecessary:

- Relevant laws

- Agency SOPs

- Charges

- Case Information

- Analytical method(s)

- Information needed for special programs

(e.g., intelligence gathering)

- Other/additional laboratory processing (e.g.,

latent printson packaging, etc.)

- Operational priorities

- Public safety sampling

- Any potential applicable statutory or other

threshold requirements(See Thresholds)

- Biohazard concerns

- Poison/opioid concerns

2224

Isthere a known or inferred

statutory quantity threshold

associated with the item(s)?

2226

Determine amount

needed asper

requirements or PAP

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

2238

Observe physical

characteristics of the item,

and based on appearance,

general knowledge, and

expertise, determine start of

analytical scheme

2260

Follow a specific

SOPPAP?

2264

Follow agency

SOPas needed to

determine

analytical scheme

2268

Establish initial analytical schemebased on:

Submission information Resultsof preliminary or field testing

Physical appearance

Training/experience/knowledge/education

SOPs

Efficiency of available tests Required level of discrimination

2252

Doesmy lab analyze

thismaterial?

2270

Outsource or refer to

another facility?

2274

Is there any

additional evidence

to process?

2280

GOTO

4000

Reporting

Itemsmay be organized and grouped accordingto:

- Item numbers

- Color and/or shape of tablets

- Type of plant material

- Paraphernalia

- Itemsnot analyzed

- Itemstreated differently

- Visual appearance (e.g. white powders,

blue powders, crystaline substances)

- Packaging characteristics

Typesof itemsreceived can include: Powder, liquid,

tar, plant, pharmaceuticals, tablets, edibles, oils, gels

or gel tablets, vape cartridges(e-cigarettes), blotter

paper, residuesor trace on paraphernalia and other

submitted evidence, bulk, gas/dusters/inhalants,

clandestine lab items

2204

Organization and Grouping: Separate evidence items

into unique populationsbased on characteristics

Yes

GOTO

2300

Tech

Assessment

(4 of 5)

No

Yes Yes

No

GOTO

2300

Tech

Assessment

(4 of 5)

No

2272

Package and

send to

designated

facilityPAP

Yes

No

Yes

No

2255

Choose all that apply (PAP)

Photograph

Obtain pharmaceutical

reference

Weigh

Attempt sampling (e.g.,

assesswhether

substance resemblesa

substance of interest

such as evaluating whether it isacocaine

base rock or an actual

rock)

Document in case notes

GOTO

2274

RETURN TO

2004

Tech

Assessment

(1 of 5)

GOTO2274

2276

Proceed with any items

that appear to be

suitable?

No

Yes

Technology Assist

- Scissors

- Camera

- Computer

- LIMS

- Scalpel

- Balance (analytical, top

load, large top load etc.)
OSACSeized DrugsSubcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by controlled substance/seized drug chemists. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

Nov 22, 2022 PAGE9 Seized DrugsProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 2300 - Tech Assessment (4 of 5) Test Plan Development/SamplingPlan Development

2302

Develop/update test plan using the following information:

- Submission request

- Knowledge

- Training

- Experience

- SOPs

- Charges

- Special programs

- Lawsor legislation

- Any known or inferred applicable statutory or other

threshold requirements

TODETERMINEAPPROACHFORTHEFOLLOWING:

- Weighing/volume/count

- Sampling plan (statistical, non-statistical)

- Analytical scheme

- Sample prep

- Preliminary testing

- Confirmatory testing

- Quantitative analysisplan

- Communications(e.g., between management/analyst

and investigator/submitter)

- Safety

FROM

2238/2264/

2268/2276

Tech

Assessment

(3 of 5)

2316

Utilize sampling plan PAP

or per statute(e.g.,

statistical, non-statistical,

etc.)

2312

Samplingplan dictated by

agency policy?

2314

Develop sampling plan

based on analytical

scheme, knowledge,

experience, or as indicated

by case need/inferred

threshold requirements

2306

Choose item(s) for

analysis(See Factorsfor Analysis)

2320

Determine quantity (e.g., weigh/measure

volume/count) of

item(s)?

2308

Consumethe whole

item?

2304

Are there multiple items?

2322

Seek permission

from appropriate

entity/personnel PAP

2318

Seek permission to

consume entire item?

2324

Permission obtained?

2310

Isa sampling plan needed?

No

Yes Yes Yes

No No

GOTO

2500

Item

Characterization

No

GOTO

2400

Tech

Assessment

(5 of 5)

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Factors for Analysis

- Predetermined protocol w client( e.g., penalty client and/or

based on schedule and penalty group)

- If agency hastest-all policy

- Scenario based (e.g., based on what isreceived from

submitter)

- Intelligence purposes/needs

- Situational (e.g., case driven)

- Client driven (e.g., prioritize overdoses)

- Officer request for aspecific item to be tested (e.g., may have

to meet the chargesfiled, so may not need to do all items; if

felony chargesfiled, may not need to work misdemeanor

items)

- Weight thresholdsby statute; impacts how many itemsneed

to be opened; also whether one exhibit that will fulfill a

threshold rather than working multiple smaller exhibits

- Charge-specific(e.g., meetinga specificrequest or per

jurisdiction)

- Appearance (based on training and experience)

2330

Proceed with any other

item(s)?

RETURNTO

2306

2326

Discontinuewith

current item and

document

insufficient sample

GOTO

4000

Reporting

No

Yes GOTO2320

Yes

Technology Assist

- Scissors

- Camera

- Computer

- LIMS

- Scalpel

- Balance (analytical, top load, large

top load etc.)

FROM

2426/2432/2434

Tech

Assessment

(4 of 5)
OSACSeized DrugsSubcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by controlled substance/seized drug chemists. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

Nov 22, 2022 PAGE10 Seized DrugsProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 2400 - Tech Assessment (5 of 5) Determine Quantity

FROM

2320

Tech

Assessment

(4 of 5)

2406

Determine Quantity: Volume, weight, or count factoring in

threshold (if applicable), expediency, accuracy, and safety

2450

Output:

- Evidence inspection

- Documentation

- Amount of submission

- Organization of items

- Test plan (including initial analytical scheme)

- Possible repackaging

- Sampling plan

- Possible quantification of items

- Possible photos of items

RETURNTO

2404

2404

Select/prioritize single

exhibit for analysis

2402

Determine quantity for

all itemsnow?

2440

Photograph?

2442

Perform photographic

documentation of the

item

2444

Determine quantity for

additional items?

GOTO

2500

Item

Characterization

Weight

Determine type of weighing (e.g,. Extrapolation weighing, Composite weighing, etc.) to be utilized based on:

- Whether itemswill be tested/analyzed or non-tested items(e.g.,

use net vs. grossweight)

- Safety concerns(use grossinstead of net to limit exposure

frequency and potential for danger)

Also:

- Choose balance based on:

- Type: Analytical, top loader, bulky

- Capacity of balance vs. amount of substance

- Uncertainty of measurement PAP

- Number of weighing events

- Dynamic weighing

- Static weighing

- Use original container v new container

- Weigh substance by itself

2412

Hasthe threshold been met?

RETURNTO

2404

2408

Document/record

quantificationin

LIMSor notesPAP

Volume

Determine measuring device based on:

- Amount of liquid

- Accuracy (e.g., use of classA

glassware; sterilized pipettes;

calibrated measurement devices,

etc.)

- Whether measurement will be an

estimation or descriptive

(approximation)

- Density

Count

Determine method based on:

- Counting physically one by one

- Utilization of an extrapolation method (e.g., weigh a number

and then estimate number

based on weight of all)

- Piece counting

feature via balance

- Manual calculation

2410

Isthere a known or

inferred statutory quantity

or threshold associated with the item(s)?

2414

Is there additional material available to

quantify?

FROM

3422

Substance

Analysis

(4 of 4)

2416

Isadditional material

in my custody?

2420

In laboratory's

custody?

2424

In customer'scustody?

2422

Request evidence

transfer for

additional material

collection

2426

Perform customer

outreach detailing

additional material

needs(e.g., number

of samples, weight,

count, volume, etc.)

2432

Create new sub-item or

item designation?

2434

Label itemsPAP

RETURN TO

2302

Tech

Assessment

(4 of 5)

Yes

No

No No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

Yes Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

2428

Proceed with current

item(s)?

Yes GOTO2440

2430

Is there any

additional evidence

to process?

No

Yes

No

GOTO

4000

Reporting

RETURN TO

TO

1006

Admin

(1 of 2)

2418

Retrieve additional material (can

be asa sub-item) to meet

threshold and update test plan to

include additional item(s)for

analysis*

*the additional weight will be

accounted for in order to meet

threshold requirement; however material isnot combined with original

item but tested separately

Technology Assist

- Containers with volume markings

- Scissors

- Camera

- Computer

- LIMS

- Scalpel

- Balance (analytical, top load, large

top load etc.)

- Graduated cylinders

- Microcentrifuge tubes
OSACSeized DrugsSubcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by controlled substance/seized drug chemists. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

Nov 22, 2022 PAGE11 Seized DrugsProcessMap (Current Practice)

2500 - Item Characterization Return to Overview

FROM

2320/2450

Tech

Assessment

(4 of 5)/

(5 of 5)

GOTO

3100

Substance

Analysis

(1 of 4)

- Plants

- Bark

- Fungal/mushroom

- Root

- Leafy

- Poppy/flower bulbs

- Spices/possibly with

syntheticcannabinoids

- Cactus/peyote

- Spores

- Seeds

- Crystalline substance

- Powders

- Chunky

- Liquids(or injectibles)

- THCproducts (includingedibles)

- Gummy

- Tar

- Wax

- Other/paper/uncommon items, e.g.,:

- LSD

- Gasses

- Dipped cigarettes/PCP

- Residue(cotton)

Pharmaceutical or

Illicit Preparations

2502

Input

- Inventoried evidence items

- Possible sampling plan

- Organization of items

- Knowledge of request(s) made

- Possible item quantities

- Possible photosof Items

2504

Any particular order

for processing items PAP?

2506

Go to

Appropriate

Item PAP

2508

Item Characterization

GOTO 3000

Pharmaceutical

or Illicit

Preparations

Yes

No

FROM

Variousplaces

in map
OSACSeized DrugsSubcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by controlled substance/seized drug chemists. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

Nov 22, 2022 PAGE12 Seized DrugsProcessMap (Current Practice)

3000 - Pharmaceutical or Illicit Preparations

FROM 2508

Item

Characterization

3002

Input

- Pharmaceutical preparationsor clandestine tablets:

- Capsules

- Gel caps/tabs

- Liquid

- Veterinarian/not for human consumption

- Test plan

- Weight

- Safety plan

- Communications

- Photos

- Other case information

3012

Consult relevant source(s) of

information asneeded (e.g.,

SOP, scientificliterature,

books, photos, colleague, or

drugmonographs, etc.)?

3004

Perform grossvisual

inspection: shape, color, markings(See Factorsto Consider)

3008

Are there markingspresent

that are of utility?

3006

Doesthe exhibit appear

to be commercially made?

3014

Are the physical characteristics

of the exhibit consistent with the

reference source?

3024

Is further analysis

required

to make a conclusive

identification PAP?

3020

Treat asclandestine

and proceed PAP

3016

Document?

GOTO

3140

Substance

Analysis(1 of 4)

3026

Will I report only

preliminary results(based on

pharmaceutical markingsPAP)?

GOTO

3500

Output

Substance

Analysis

(4 of 4)

Yes Yes

Yes

Yes

No

GOTO

3140

Substance

Analysis(1 of 4)

Yes

No

3018

Document

inconsistencies,

observations,

findings, etc.

Yes

No

No

Factors to Consider

(based on knowledge, training, and experience):

- Assessfor:

- Consistency (e.g., sizeand

coloration)

- Packaging (e.g., blister pack) and

associated informational insert

- Olfactory evaluation

- Evaluate:

- Crumble easy?

- Off-center markings?

- Crisp cuts?

- Edges smooth?

- Commonly counterfeited?

3010

Treat asclandestine and

proceed PAP

GOTO

3140

Substance

Analysis(1 of 4)

No No

3027

Perform analysis?

GOTO

3140

Substance

Analysis(1 of 4)

Yes

No

Technology Assist

- The chemical and instrumental testingmethodsreferenced in the SOPmonographsor current literature (i.e., Clarke?sIsolation and

Identification of Drugs, IRSMethodsof Analysis, DrugAnalysis, Microgram, Spot Test Analysis, Analytical Profilesof Narcotic Analgesics, etc.); documentation in notes.

- Additional Reference Materials:

- Physicians?Desk Reference

- Franzosa, E. and C. Harper ed., TheLogo Index for Tablets

and Capsules, variouseditions, DrugEnforcement

Administration, Washington, D.C.

- Drug Identification Bible, Grand Junction, CO, Amera-Chem, Inc.

- www.drugs.com

- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov?National Center for Biotechnology

Information, National Library of Medicine, National

Institute of Health (often used for Suboxone/Buprenorphine)

- Microscope

- Flashlight

3030

Document preliminary

results

3028

Document:

- Substance

- Dose

- Control status

3022

Use reference source to document

findingsand observations(see Technology Assist)

- Source(s)

- Name

- Dose

- Control status
OSACSeized DrugsSubcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by controlled substance/seized drug chemists. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

Nov 22, 2022 PAGE13 Seized DrugsProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 3100 - SubstanceAnalysis(Page 1 of 4)

FROM 2508

Item

Characterization

3102

Input:

- Plant material

- THCproducts

- Liquids

- Crystalline

- Powder

- Chunky

- Gummy

- Tar

- Wax

- Gas

- Dipped cigarettes

- Residue

- LSD

- Test plan (including initial

analytical scheme), weight,

safety plan, communications,

etc.

3124

Consult additional

source(s) of information (e.g.,

SOP, scientificliterature, books,

photos, colleague,

or drugmonographs,

etc.)?

3126

Review information

obtained

3104

Doeslab analyze this material?

3108

Outsource to another

facility?

3110

Send to designated

facility PAP

3120

Perform grossvisual

inspection

3140

Select test(s) based on ASTM E2329 StandardPractice/

current forensic standards and the following:

- Knowledge

- Skill

- Experience

- Training

- Preference

- Initial hypothesis

- Expectations

- Observations

- SOP

- Submission information

- Customer request

- Non-controlled substances reportingrequest

- Outcome of previous test(s)

- Amount of sample

- Statutory requirements

- Target compound or analyte

- Threshold

- Purity determination

- Decision Point

- Quant data needed

- Equipment availability

- Packaging and/or label information (e.g. pills, ampules....)

3128

Has the substance

been previously identified

and only requires

quantitation

(quant)?

GOTO

3420

Substance

Analysis

(4 of 4)

3130

Report only

preliminary results(based on

pre-selected tests)?

3162

Document

- Client request for

quantitation only

- Identity/confirmation of

compound(s)

- Which itemsto be

quantitated

3150

Hasthe request met agency

acceptance criteria(e.g. received

confirmation or substance has

been previously identified)?

3152

Perform further

testing?

GOTO

3500

Output

Substance

Analysis

(4 of 4)

3160

Perform testingfor

identification PAP?

3132

Conduct preliminary testing

or color test PAPor SOP

3134

Inconclusive result?

3106

Choose all that apply (PAP)

Photograph

Obtain pharmaceutical

reference

Weigh

Attempt sampling (e.g.

assesswhether the item

isconsistent with drug material, or move

forward with any part of

the item in some way,

i.e., outsourcing or saving

a sample)

No

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes Yes

No No

No

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

GO TO3200

Substance

Analysis

(2 of 4)

GOTO

3500

Output

Substance

Analysis

(4 of 4)

GOTO

3500

Output

Substance

Analysis

(4 of 4)

Yes

No

FROM

3010/3020/3024

3214/3216/3226

Technology Assist

- Reference Materials

- Camera

- Computer

- LIMS

- Scalpel

- Balance (analytical, top load, large

top load etc.)

- Chemical reagents

- Portable field testing equipment

3136

Document preliminary

results: based on field

instrumentsor color tests

3122

Document observations

etc.

3153

Is sampling

required?

RETURNTO

2202

Tech

Assessment

(3 of 5)

Yes
OSACSeized DrugsSubcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by controlled substance/seized drug chemists. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

Nov 22, 2022 PAGE14 Seized DrugsProcessMap (Current Practice)

3200 - Substance Analysis(Page 2 of 4)

3250 TroubleshootingOptions

Return to Overview

FROM 3140

Substance

Analysis

(1 of 4)

3210

Is there confidence

in the test

results?

3204

Perform selected test

3206

Document and/or

photograph

observationsand

outcome PAP

3208

Interpret results

3202

Perform sample prep, any

instrument setup and prepare

corresponding standardsbased

on item characterization if

applicable

No

Technology Assist

- Reference Materials

- Camera

- Computer

- LIMS

- Scalpel

- Balance (analytical, top load, largetop

load etc.)

- Chemical reagents and solvents

- Raman spectrometer

- Gas chromatography- mass spectrometry

(GC-MS)

- Ultraviolet light source

- Vortex

- Centrifuge

- Stereozoom microscope

- Oven

- Hot plate

- Fume hood/snorkel

- Laboratory glasswareand other assorted

tools

- Rulers

3230

Assessquality controls,

data, instrument

performance, and other

issuessuch aspower

outage etc.

3232

Re-run using same

test?

RETURN TO

3204

3233

Select an alternate

validated test/ method?

3234

Validate a new

test/method?

3237

Obtain any additional

information asneeded

(e.g., via literature

review, evaluation of

scientific data, etc.)

and validate new

test/method

3241

Preserve original

(old)

sample?

3244

Preserveas

needed or PAP

3242

Disposition as

needed or PAP

3238

Prepare new

sample?

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

3246

Preparenew

sample

3216

Perform additional

testing?

3212

Isthere another

substance

of interest?

3218

Evaluate and

interpret all test

results

3220

Do all results

correlate?

3214

Perform testingfor the

other substance of

interest?

GOTO

3140

Substance

Analysis

(1 of 4)

Yes Yes

No

RETURNTO

3140

Substance

Analysis

(1 of 4)

Yes

No

3226

Is there aknown

limitation of the test that

isuncorrelated?

3224

Perform additional

testing?

RETURN

TO

3232

3228

Document rationale for

acceptance or

reconciliation of

uncorrelated results

No

No No

Yes

RETURN TO

3140

Substance

Analysis

(1 of 4)

GO TO

3300

Substance

Analysis

(3 of 4)

Yes

GO TO

3300

Substance

Analysis

(3 of 4)

Yes

No

3272

Have any changesbeen made to the sample, test

sample prep, or test method?

No

3274

Document rationale for

any changesmade to

the sample, test sample

prep, or test method

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

3239

Adjust test sample

preparation?

Yes

No

3260

Preserve original

(old) sample?

3264

Preserve as

needed or

PAP

3262

Disposition as

needed or PAP

3250

Prepare new

sample?

Yes

No

Yes

3258

- Dilute

- Concentrate

- Re-extract

- Derivatize

- Filter

- Change solvent

3254

Adjust sample

preparation?

Yes

3270

- Change reagents

- Adjust instrument

parameters

- Change equipment or

supplies(e.g., change

spot plate)

- Change extraction method

- Change standards

Yes

3266

Prepare new

sample

3268

Change test method(s)?

No

3256

Use existing

sample

No

No

3235

Document

rationale for

discontinuing

analysis

3236

Select test(s) based on ASTM E2329 Standard

Practice/

current forensic

standardsand /or the

criteria listed in box 3140

3240

- Dilute

- Concentrate

- Re-extract

- Derivatize

- Filter

- Change solvent

3248

Document rationale for

any changesmade to

the sample, test sample

prep, or test method (as

applicable)

GOTO

3218
OSACSeized DrugsSubcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by controlled substance/seized drug chemists. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

Nov 22, 2022 PAGE15 Seized DrugsProcessMap (Current Practice)

3300 - SubstanceAnalysis(Page 3 of 4)

3340 TroubleshootingOptions

Return to Overview

FROM

3220/3228/3235

Substance

Analysis

(2 of 4)

3316

Is

quantitative analysis,

or a decision point

threshold

requested?

3306

Have the minimum criteria been met for identification?

(per ASTM E2329/current

forensic standards,

agency/lab policy,

etc.)

3322

Isa new test

needed to get the

quantitative

data?

3308

Doesagency report

indications*?

3320

Run adecision point

threshold (i.e., for

cannabis)?

3330

Choose technique

(e.g., decision

point/single point

calibration curve/multi

point calibration

curve)

3332

Perform sample prep,

any applicable

subsequent

instrumental prep, and

preparecorresponding

standards

3334

Perform test,

document method

information,

and evaluate

resultsPAP

3336

Is there confidence in

results?

3324

Isthere enough

to conduct test?

GOTO

3500

Output

Substance

Analysis

(4 of 4)

GOTO

3500

Output

Substance

Analysis

(4 of 4)

GOTO

3500

Output

Substance

Analysis

(4 of 4)

GOTO

2414

Tech

Assessment

(5 of 5)

3326

Attempt to get more material?

Yes

Yes

No

3302

Wasa substance of

interest or target analyte

detected (e.g. a controlled,

non-controlled, regulated

pharmaceutical,or other

substance of

interest)?

No

Yes

No

Yes Yes

No

Yes

No

No

GOTO

3420

Substance

Analysis

(4 of 4)

Yes

No

No

GO TO

3400

Substance

Analysis

(4 of 4)

Yes

*INDICATIONS

Some agenciesmay use these terms; for the purposesof

thisprocessmap these termsare defined asthe following:

Presumptive ID- Establishment of the possibility that a

substance ispresent. For example, an analyst may know

name and exact compound but doesn't have enough

information to confirm.

Indications- In cases where a specific compound or

isomer cannot be confirmed, an analyst may report

out class information, or in the case of isomers, list all

possible isomers that might be present.

3328

Document data

and other findings

PAP

3304

Document

NOSUBSTANCEOF

INTERESTIDENTIFIED

3314

Document

CONFIRMED

SUBSTANCEOF

INTEREST

3310

Document

INDICATIONS

3312

Document

NOSUBSTANCEOFINTEREST

CAN BEIDENTIFIED

PAP

(see also Inconclusive Results) for various

reasonssuch as:

- Need more tests

- Not enough sample

- Other reasonsfor not reporting substance of

interest (PAP)

Yes

3374

Document rationale

for preparing a new

sample

3342

Assessquality controls, or other

factorsthat may affect data, e.g.:

- Check blanks

- Look for carryover

- Check standard and sample

concentrations

- Check if qualifier ionsmeet criteria

- Re-prep

3344

Re-run using same

validated test/ method?

RETURN

TO3334

3346

Select an alternate

validated test/ method?

3348

Validate a new

test/ method?

3352

Obtain any additional

information asneeded

(e.g., vialiterature review,

evaluation of scientific

data, etc.) and validate

new test/method

3386

Preserve

original (old)

sample?

3390

Preserve as

needed or PAP

3388

Disposition as

needed or PAP

3380

Prepare new

sample?

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

3392

Preparenew

sample

No

Yes

No

No

No

3382

Adjust test sample

preparation?

Yes

No

3366

Preserve original

(old) sample?

3370

Preserve as

needed or

PAP

3368

Disposition as

needed or PAP

3360

Prepare new

sample?

Yes

No

Yes

3372

Preparenew

sample

No

3362

Useexisting

sample

3350

Document rationale for

discontinuing analysis

3358

Select alternate

validated test/method based

on current forensic standards

and/or the criterialisted in box

3140

3384

- Dilute

- Concentrate

- Re-extract

- Derivatize

- Filter

- Change solvent

3394

Document rationale for

any changesmade to

the sample, test sample

prep, or test method (as

applicable)

3364

Document rationale

for rerunning

existing sample

3317

Is there avalidated method for the identified

substance

of interest?

3319

Inform customer

that lab is unable to

quantitative the

identified substance

3318

Validate a new method?

GOTO

4000

Reporting

GOTO

3352

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

GOTO

3500

Output

Substance

Analysis

(4 of 4)

GOTO

3500

Output

Substance

Analysis

(4 of 4)
OSACSeized DrugsSubcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by controlled substance/seized drug chemists. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

Nov 22, 2022 PAGE16 Seized DrugsProcessMap (Current Practice)

3400 - SubstanceAnalysis(Page 4 of 4)

3450TroubleshootingOptions

Return to Overview

FROM

3336/3350

Substance

Analysis

(3 of 4)

3430

Perform sample prep,

any applicable

subsequent

instrumental prep, and

prepare corresponding

standards

3412

Outsource the quant for

thissample?

3420

Isthere enough material to

quant?

3428

Choose

quantitative

technique

3402

Meet/exceed the

decision point threshold

PAP/jurisdictional

threshold?

3408

Quant?

3424

Report data and other

findingsPAP

GOTO

2414

Tech

Assessment

(5 of 5)

3422

Attempt to get more material?

Yes

No

GOTO

3500

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

GOTO

3500

3437

Report findingsPAP(e.g.,

confirmed substance(s), net weight, methods, packaging,

reserve weight, testsrun,

uncertainty, purity, or

required by law)

3434

Evaluate, Assessand Document Results (PAP)

Examplesof acceptance criteria:

- Whether peaks meet laboratory/agency acceptance

criteria, e.g.:

- Appearance

- Resolution

- Peak shape

- Tailing(re: distribution)

- Peak retention time

- Whether above/below threshold

- Percent purity

- Uncertainty of measurement

- Dry weight correction factor (e.g., for moisturecontent

in cannabis)

- Concentration

- Issues/limitations

3436

Isthere confidence

in the test

results?

GOTO

4000

Reporting

3500

Output(s):

- Quantitation: Amount and uncertainty

- Decision point: Above or below agency

threshold

- Information about the substance

(including substance/sample/item

identification, and/or whether or not a

controlled or non-controlled substance or

analyte of interest wasdetected)

- Methods

- Packaging

- Preliminary testingand/or field results

- Purity

- Reserve weight

- Net weight

- Gross weight

Yes

3502

Is there any

additional evidence

to process?

GOTO

2508 - Item

Characterization

Yes

FROM

3162/3322

Substance

Analysis

(1 of 4/3 of 4)

3406

Document

SUBSTANCEIS

ABOVETHRESHOLD

3404

Document

SUBSTANCEISBELOW

THRESHOLD

(ex. unable to

distinguish/differentiate

between cannabisand hemp)

3414

Repackage and send

to

submitter/agency/lab

PAP

3432

Perform test and

document method(s) PAP

No

3494

Document rationale

for preparing a new

sample

3452

Assessquality controls, or other

factorsthat may affect data, e.g.:

- Check blanks

- Look for carryover

- Check standard and sample

concentrations

- Check if qualifier ionsmeet criteria

- Re-prep

3454

Re-run using same

validated test/ method?

RETURN

TO3432

3456

Select an alternate

validated test/ method?

3458

Validate a new

test/ method?

3460

Obtain any additional

information asneeded

(e.g., via literature review,

evaluation of scientific

data, etc.) and validate

new test/method

3472

Preserve

original (old)

sample?

3476

Preserve as

needed or PAP

3474

Disposition as

needed or PAP

3466

Prepare new

sample?

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

3478

Prepare new

sample

No

Yes

No

No

3468

Adjust test sample

preparation?

Yes

No

3486

Preserve original

(old) sample?

3490

Preserveas

needed or

PAP

3488

Disposition as

needed or PAP

3482

Prepare new

sample?

Yes

No

Yes

3492

Prepare new

sample

No

3484

Use existing

sample

3462

Document rationale for

discontinuing analysis

3464

Select alternate

validated method based on current

forensic standardsand/or the

criteria listed in box 3140

3470

- Dilute

- Concentrate

- Re-extract

- Derivatize

- Filter

- Change solvent

3480

Document rationale for

any changesmade to

the sample, test sample

prep, or test method (as

applicable)

3485

Document rationale

for rerunning

existing sample

No

No

GOTO

3500

GOTO

3500
OSACSeized DrugsSubcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by controlled substance/seized drug chemists. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

Nov 22, 2022 PAGE17 Seized DrugsProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 4000 - Reporting

4002

Input

- Testing results

(qualitative, quantitative

etc.)

- Preliminary results

- Other issuesto report

- Case information

- Weight

- Sampling plan

- Test plan

- Methods

- Other case information

Tech Review:

- Evaluate:

- Weights

- Resultsfrom instrumentation

- Color tests

- Conclusions

- Correspondence from test to conclusion

- Whether agency policy wasfollowed

- Calculations

Admin Review:

- Evaluate for criteriasuch as:

- Accuracy of names

- Formatting

- Worksheets

- Grammar

- Legibility

- Namesof suspects

correct

4034

Report(s) issued (See Report)

4010

Draft reports: Qualitative results Quantitative results

4006

Does lab issue a joint

qualitative and quantitative

report?

4012

Tech review?

4016

Are all technical

review evaluation

criteria

acceptable?

4018

Do the reviewer

and analyst have agreement

on issuesfound and

resolution?

4026

Resolve conflict(s), and

follow agency conflict

resolution policy (e.g.,

revise report, elevate to management, conduct

further data analysis,

provide additional

documentation, additional

reviewer, separate reports,

etc. )

4024

Update report and case

notesPAP

4020

Is re-analysis

required?

4022

Determine and

conduct

appropriate

re-analysissteps

PAP

4032

Are all

administrative review

evaluation criteria

acceptable?

4038

Determine any further

appropriate QA/QC

PAP*

*May not necessarily be

contemporaneousand may

occur sometime after report

is released

4004

Disposition now (e.g.,

perform disposition activities

prior to reporting)?

GOTO

5000

Disposition

FROM

5010/5012/5060

Disposition

4014

Conduct tech review

(See Tech Review) PAP

4030

Conduct

administrative review

(SeeAdmin Review)

PAP

GOTO

4030

GOTO

4030

End Process

4036

Continueto

disposition?

GOTO

5000

Disposition

RETURN

TO

4014

4008

Draft report may include

information such as(PAP):

List of what wassampled

Summary of tests Net weight

Reserve weight

Preliminary report statement

Report

May includeinformation such asthe following:

ISOrequirements:

- Location of testing lab

- Name and addressof lab

- Calibration information

- Unique identifiersfor report(s)

In addition to:

- Signature by author of report and date of signature

- Description of evidence

- Packaging

- Form

- Customer supplied information (suspect, offensedate, location of

offense)

- Customer contact

- Accreditation(s)

- ULTR(Uniform Language for Testimony and Reporting)

- Jurisdictional requirements(e.g. affidavits)

- Sampling

- Weight/purity

- Uncertainty statement(s), net, gross, etc.

- Number of units

- Summary of tests

- Special programsas applicable

- Coverage factor for laboratory

- Substance(s) identified

- Scheduling of substances

- Disposition statement (including chain of custody)

- Other forensic analysis

- Fingerprint statement

- Digital analysis

- No analysisstatement

- Inconclusive statement

4040

Amend report?

4042

Issue amended report

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

4044

Isthere any additional

evidence to

process?

GOTO

2508 - Item

Characterization

Yes

No

Technology Assist (some included for casesof

re-analysis)

- Reference Materials

- Camera

- Computer

- LIMS

- Scalpel

- Balance (analytical, top load, large top

load etc.)

- Chemical reagentsand solvents

- Raman spectrometer

- Gaschromatography- massspectrometry

(GC-MS)

- Vortex

- Centrifuge

- Stereozoom microscope

- Oven

- Hot plate

- Fume hood/snorkel

- Laboratory glassware and other assorted

tools

- Rulers

4037

Any further QA/QC

needed at thistime (e.g.

internal audit, investigation,

or random re-analysis,

etc.)?

No

FROM

Variouspoints

in map
OSACSeized DrugsSubcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by controlled substance/seized drug chemists. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

Nov 22, 2022 PAGE18 Seized DrugsProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 5000 - Disposition

5002

Input

- Evidence Itemsand/or

- Report (final or draft)

5004

Issue the report prior to

evidence disposition?

Re-seal and bring to vault

5010

Wait until report isissued

or case isclosed utilizing

temporary storage and

packaging

Re-seal and place in

temporary storage

Transfer evidence to

another individual

5020

Conduct disposition PAPwhich may include:

5012

Temporary storage and

packaging until report is

tech reviewed and

requester approves

content

5006

Hasthe report

been approved and/or

issued?

RETURNTO

4006

Reporting

5008

Seek customer approval

prior to evidence

disposition?

Destroy evidence based

on legal requirementsor PAP

5030

Processthrough chain of

custody and update

documentationPAP

RETURN TO

4006

Reporting

5060

Has the report been

completed?

FROM

4004/4036

Reporting

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

5040

Is there any additional

evidenceto

process?

GOTO

2508 - Item

Characterization

Yes

No

Yes

RETURNTO

4044

Reporting

Technology Assist

- Scanner

- Packaging materials
OSACSeized DrugsSubcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by controlled

substance/seized drug chemists. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process

map.

Nov 22, 2022 Page 19 Seized DrugsProcessMap

(Current Practice)

Glossary of Termsand Definitions

Extrapolation Weighing: Estimating the weight of an entire amount based on the

weight of a defined portion of the amount, assuming the propertiesthroughout

the entire amount are the same.

Analytical Balance: Balancesdesigned with a draft shield and the sensitivity to measure small amountsof substance in the sub-milligram range.

Large Top Loader (Bulky Balance): Atop load balance that can hold larger, bulky items

Indications: In cases where a specific compound or isomer cannot be confirmed,

an analyst may report out class information, or in the case of isomers, list all

possible isomers that might be present.

DynamicWeighing: Adynamic weighing processinvolvesplacing a weighing vessel

on a balance, taringthe balance, and adding material immediately to the weighing

vessel without removing it from the balance6.

References:

1https://www.swgdrug.org/approved.htm

2 http://enfsi.eu/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/drugs_sampling_guideline_unodc-enfsi.pdf

3 https://www.astm.org/e2548-16.html

4Adapted from : https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2019-10/Forensics/ADM%20R4%202019_Public%20Posting_Final2.pdf

5Adapted from: https://www.sog.unc.edu/sites/www.sog.unc.edu/files/course_materials/Presumptive%20and%20Confirmatory%20Forensic%20Tests.pdf

6 https://www.swgdrug.org/supplemental.htm

Analytical Scheme: From SWGDRUG:

An analytical scheme shall be comprised of validated methodsthat are

appropriate for the analyte.

- The combinationsof methodschosen for a particular

analytical scheme shall identify the specific drug of interest,

preclude a false positive and minimize false negatives.

- For quantification the method should reliably determine the

amount of analyte present.

- If validated methodsare used from published literature or

another laboratory?sprotocols, then the methodsshall be

verified within each laboratory.

- If non-routine validated methodsare used, then the method

shall be verified prior to use.

- Verification should, at a minimum, demonstrate that a

representative set of reference materialshasbeen carried through the process

and yielded the expected results.

Composite Weighing: Weighing a representative, homogenized sample4.

Drug Monograph: Monograph isa written document of the study of a single item. Monographscan be created for individual drugs, or in some cases, classesof

drugs. These monographscontain information that can be useful in identifying an

individual drug.

Abbreviations:

PAP: Per Agency/Laboratory Policy

Dry Weight Correction Factor: Amethod sometimesused to account for moisture

present in plant material. For example, thismay be done to meet the statutory

requirement of ?0.3 %on a dry weight basis?; it may be represented as a moisture

percentage or a ratio of dry to wet mass.

SamplingPlan: From ISO/IEC17025-3125: 3.29S: Astatistically valid approach to

determine the number of sub-itemsthat must be tested in order to make an inference

about the whole population.

Uncertainty of Measurement: An estimation of how closely (dispersion) an analytical

technique can determine a measurement result such as weight or quantitation.

Sample Prep: Any preparation needed in order to test the sample usingaspecific test

o Extraction method

o Dissolution

o Derivatization

o Crystallization techniquesfor introducing sample into instrumentation

Statistical SamplingPlan: Astatistically valid approach to determine the number of

sub-itemsthat must be tested in order to makean inference about the whole

population. Examplesinclude hypergeometricand Bayesian methods1, 2, 3.

WeighingEvent: An instance when somethingisplaced on the balance i.e. empty weigh paper, weigh paper with substance, emptyplastic bag, etc.

StaticWeighing: Astatic weighing processinvolvesremoval of the tared weighing

vessel, fillingwith material, and then returningto the balance to obtain the net weight6.

Top Loader (Balance): Abalance with lesssensitivity asthe analytical balance with an

open top. Used when precision of 0.01 gramsissufficient.

Preliminary Results: Resultsof a preliminary test, atest performed to help determine

possible drug, drug type, or drug classbut it isnot specificenough of atest to

positively identify it.

Non-Statistical SamplingPlan: Asampling technique used when the laboratory does

not intend to report a conclusion about the whole population of a multi-item

submission. Examplesinclude pharmaceutical, composite, and single unit

selection/arbitrary sampling1, 3.

Presumptive ID: Establishment of the possibility that asubstance is present5. For

example, an analyst may know name and exact compound but don't have enough info

Bulky: Takingup much space, typically inconveniently; too large for available to confirm.

storage accommodations.

Inconclusive Results: If testing indicatesthe presence of a substance that cannot

be identified, the resultsmay be reported as"Unable to identify", with the

appropriate accompanying footnote

a) For insufficient amount of evidence: "Insufficient sample for identification"

b) For insufficient instrumentation: "Due to limitationsin instrumentation, the

laboratory isunable to identify the compound in thisexhibit at thistime."

c) For no reference standard or reference library available: "Due to

unavailability of appropriate reference standard/reference libraries, the laboratory

isunable to identify the compound in thisexhibit at thistime."

d) For unsuitable evidence (e.g., decomposed plant material) for

identification: "Due to the unsuitable condition of the evidence, the laboratory is

unable to identify the substance.