Forensic Analysis Submission Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

What is the recommended method for packaging powders and plant material?

Leave them unsealed in the collection basket

Package in evidence envelopes or bags in the material’s original containers (correct)

Package in plastic bags for freshness

Package in rigid containers

What should be done with wet plant material before submission?

Seal it in plastic to maintain moisture

Leave it in its original packaging

Cut off all leaves and buds

Air dry and place it in a paper bag (correct)

How should large smoking devices be submitted as evidence?

Place in a cardboard box with no additional packaging

Remove and submit only the part with drug residue (correct)

Submit the entire device without modifications

Wrap it in cloth to prevent damage

Why should wet marijuana not be packaged in plastic?

It decomposes rapidly, making it unsuitable for analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal container for submitting tablets and capsules?

Rigid containers Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with roots and dirt before submitting fresh plant material?

Remove them as they are not necessary for analysis Signup and view all the answers

If submitting a glass part of a large smoking device, how should it be packaged?

Using a small rigid container or bubble wrap Signup and view all the answers

What should be removed from a bong before packaging it as evidence?

The water Signup and view all the answers

What should you do with a syringe before submission?

Label the outer container with safety warnings. Signup and view all the answers

What warning label must be included on the outer container of a syringe?

Contains a Syringe Signup and view all the answers

Which materials require special packaging precautions?

Syringes and sharp objects Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to handle LSD in liquid form with caution?

It is light sensitive and can be absorbed through the skin. Signup and view all the answers

What should be noted on the RFLE for evidence suspected of containing powerful opioids?

Handling precautions. Signup and view all the answers

What type of materials should be labeled with a warning to 'Handle with Caution'?

Sharp or breakable materials Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for submitting found property in drug analysis cases?

A written request citing exigent circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action if a syringe contains a controlled substance?

Package it properly with other evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What should not be submitted for analysis unless drugs other than marijuana are suspected?

Residues from smoking devices Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary to package glass devices containing drug residue?

Use small rigid containers or bubble wrap Signup and view all the answers

When should syringes be submitted for analysis?

Only if they are the only item in the case Signup and view all the answers

What should be analyzed when items with weighable quantities are submitted?

Only the weighable item(s) Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended method for packaging items with multiple small packages?

Package them together in one container Signup and view all the answers

Why should water from a smoking device be excluded during residue analysis?

It increases drying time before analysis Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if latent prints recovery is a concern?

Package with reduced friction against the surface Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of packaging crime scene items securely?

To avoid cross-contamination or loss of the sample Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason used field test kits should never be submitted to the laboratory?

They contain strong acids that can cause burns. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a case slated for federal prosecution before it can be submitted to the DEA laboratory?

Decision on prosecution by federal and state prosecutors Signup and view all the answers

How are cases designated for federal prosecution prioritized compared to Virginia cases by DFS?

They are placed at a lower priority. Signup and view all the answers

What must federal prosecutors submit for additional analysis on previously completed cases?

A written request Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with used field test kits after their use?

They should be disposed of according to manufacturer instructions. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about the analytical testing needed for federal prosecutions?

It often requires time-consuming quantitation and base determination. Signup and view all the answers

Who can submit cases slated for state prosecution to DFS?

State or local agencies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for drugs tested by DFS for federal prosecution?

Federal agencies must approve submission. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the RFLE for drug analysis?

To provide a brief statement of facts about the case and necessary analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What should be included when specifying evidence on the RFLE?

An approximate count of individual drug units. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT recommended for the RFLE concerning powerful opioids?

Provide net weights of the substances. Signup and view all the answers

How does DFS prioritize drug cases for analysis?

With a focus on pending trial dates. Signup and view all the answers

What does the statute § 9.1-1101 authorize DFS to do?

Offer forensic laboratory services to any federal investigatory agency. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue with listing weights on the RFLE?

It may create confusion between gross and net weights. Signup and view all the answers

When completing the RFLE information for court dates, what notation is required?

Hearing or trial. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why multiple items should be linked to a specific suspect on the RFLE?

To ensure all items necessary for prosecution are tested. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

How to Submit Controlled Substances for Forensic Analysis

Pack powders and plant materials in their original containers within evidence envelopes or bags.
Pack tablets and capsules in rigid containers to prevent crushing or damage, especially when shipped by mail.
Submit prescription bottles in their original containers with labels.

Fresh, Wet, or Moist Plant Material

Air dry fresh plant material and place in paper bags.
Remove roots and dirt before submitting.
Do not strip leaves, buds, or other parts from mature stalks.
Fresh plant material packaged in plastic decomposes rapidly, rendering it unsuitable for analysis.
Dirt and roots are not necessary for analysis.
Wet mushrooms packaged in plastic bags will rapidly decompose, making them unsuitable for analysis.

Large Smoking Devices

Submit only the part of the device that contains drug residue or plant material.
For glass devices, package them in a small, rigid container, plastic safety tube, or bubble wrap, then place in an appropriately sized manila envelope.
If latent prints are a concern, package in a manner that minimizes friction.
Remove any water from the device to prevent leakage and damage.
Residues should only be submitted for analysis if drugs other than marijuana are present.

Small Devices

Package securely to avoid cross-contamination or loss of sample.
Cover the area of the device containing drug residue or plant material.
For glass devices, package them in a small, rigid container, plastic safety tube, or bubble wrap, then place in an appropriately sized manila envelope.
If latent prints are a concern, package in a manner that minimizes friction.
If the device contains a weighable quantity of drugs, only the weighable items will be analyzed unless a written request for analysis is provided.

Clandestine Laboratory Samples

Refer to "Collection and Submission of Meth Lab Materials to DFS" for guidance on collecting and submitting clandestine laboratory samples.

Multiple Packages of Powder or Plant Material

Package multiple packages together in one container to minimize the number of containers and allow the examiner to review them as one unit.

Syringes and Other Sharp Materials

Do not submit syringes unless they are the only evidence in the case or if they are likely to contain a controlled substance higher than what is found in other evidence.
Package syringes in a rigid plastic safety tube; do not uncap before submission.
Label the outer container with "Handle with Caution," "Contains a Syringe," and "BIOHAZARD."
Other sharp or breakable materials, such as glass pipes, mirrors, and razor blades, should be packaged in rigid containers and labeled "Handle with Caution."
Syringes will generally not be analyzed if measurable quantities of drugs are present in the case.

Biohazard Materials

Note any potential hazards to the examiner on the RFLE, such as if an item was removed from a body cavity or if items were recovered from a toilet.
Label the evidence package with a "BIOHAZARD" sticker or label.

Special Handling Warnings

LSD in liquid form can be absorbed through the skin and is light sensitive. Handle with caution and wrap the container with paper to block light.
Fentanyl and other powerful opioids may be present in suspected heroin submissions.
Take special precautions when handling powerful opioids to avoid accidental inhalation or ingestion.
Note the presence of fentanyl, carfentanil, or other powerful opioids on the RFLE.

Cases Involving Found Property with No Identified Suspect

Do not submit these cases unless there are exigent circumstances and a written request is provided.

Used Field Test Kits

Do not submit used field test kits.
Dispose of field test kits properly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Cases for Federal Prosecution

Submit drug task force cases designated for federal prosecution to the DEA laboratory.
State or local agencies should submit cases slated for state prosecution to DFS.
Federal investigative agencies with a federal case number should submit cases slated for federal prosecution to the DEA.
Cases submitted to DFS that will be adjudicated in federal court will be prioritized lower than Virginia cases, and scheduled federal court dates will not elevate the priority level.
DFS protocols may not provide results that support federal charges or penalties.
Written requests from federal prosecutors are required for additional analysis on previously completed cases.

RFLE (Request for Forensic Laboratory Examination)

Include a brief statement of facts about the case, including the specific criminal charge(s) related to the submitted items.
Specify the reason for analysis for each item to help examiners select samples for testing.
Indicate which suspect is charged with which item(s) if multiple items and suspects are involved.
Provide the date of the hearing or trial, and communicate pending trial dates regularly for felony drug cases.
Note the presence of fentanyl, carfentanil, or other powerful opioids on the RFLE.
Do not indicate the weights of substances on the request form.
Count individual drug units (e.g., pills, bags).
Specify quantities as approximate counts (e.g., approximately 97 tablets).

General Notes

DFS utilizes an administrative sampling plan where the number of specimens analyzed will be based on the type of criminal charge.
pending trial dates for drug cases will be considered when prioritizing cases.
Do not indicate weights of substances on the RFLE, as this can cause confusion with the reported net weight on the Certificate of Analysis.

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Description

This quiz provides detailed instructions on how to properly submit controlled substances and plant materials for forensic analysis. Learn the best practices for packaging various forms of evidence to ensure they remain intact and suitable for examination. Test your knowledge on the correct procedures and avoid common mistakes.