Page 2 - Smiths Detection IONSCAN600 Sampling Test using Toothpick Method.RevD

Sampling Visible Narcotic Residue Using the Toothpick Method

Instructions – Steps for a User to Follow

What to Do How to Do It

The following pages give step-by-step instructions on how to sample a bag/brick of suspected
narcotics using the toothpick method.

Collecting a Sample

1. Wearing Powder free A. Carefully gather a ‘trace amount’ of powder, by wiping the outside
Synthetic or Nitrile gloves, surface of the unopened sample bag, with the very end tip of a new
use a clean toothpick to wipe (unused) round toothpick.
the exterior of the unopened
package.

Transfer the sample to the swab as per steps 3-9.

Analyze the sample. If no alarm is obtained – proceed to Step 2

2. Wearing Powder free B. Carefully open the corner of the ‘Sample’ bag slightly and with the
Synthetic or Nitrile gloves, very end tip of a new (unused) round toothpick, gather a ‘trace
carefully open the ‘Sample’ amount’ of powder, by touching the inside surface of the sample
bag slightly and with the end bag, and not the packed powder portion.
of the toothpick, gather a
‘trace amount’ of sample
onto the tip of a new
(unused) toothpick.

Smiths Detection Inc.: Proprietary Last Updated 3/15/2018 Page 2 of 6