Forensic Analysis Submission Guidelines

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.

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.