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Sampling Visible Narcotic Residue Using the Toothpick Method

IONSCAN, MMTD or SABRE

NOTE: These instructions must be used in conjunction with your health and safety guidelines
and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

General Guidance on Sampling

Type #1 - Screening an object that does not contain powder

When screening an object (a personal item) that does not contain powder – i.e. a phone, a laptop, a car
steering wheel, a wallet, etc. – you can swab the object directly. These objects should typically only have
trace or residual amounts of narcotics that have been transferred by being handled.

Type #2 - Screening a bag or package that clearly contains a powder or
suspected narcotic substance

When dealing with a bag or package that clearly contains a powder or suspected narcotic substance – i.e.
you can see the powder/pills/clumps – it is best to assume that the exterior of that package is probably
highly contaminated. To avoid over-contaminating the trace detector (IONSCAN 600, IONSCAN 500DT,
IONSCAN 400B, SABRE or MMTD) it is recommended to start with small samples from the exterior, and if
no results are obtained, move closer to the substance that is in the interior.
An example of how to swab a bag/brick of suspected narcotics:

1. Using a clean toothpick, wipe the exterior of the unopened package.
2. Wipe the toothpick to transfer the sample to a swab – ensure that no visible powder is on the swab –
analyze the swab.
3. If no alarm is obtained – carefully open the corner of the bag (only a small opening is needed) and use
a new clean toothpick to sample. With the very end tip of the toothpick, gather a ‘trace amount’ of
powder, by touching the inside surface of the sample bag, and not the packed powder portion.

4. Wipe the toothpick to transfer the sample to a swab– ensure that no visible powder is on the swab –
analyze the swab.

Smiths Detection Inc.: Proprietary Last Updated 3/15/2018 Page 1 of 6

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