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Forensic Science

Drugs & toxicology

Overview

NIST scientists develop Standard Reference Materials that forensic science laboratories use to validate the accuracy of their identification and quantification of controlled substances. NIST researchers are also developing methods to help investigators detect drugs at crime scenes, in cargo, and at transit hubs, and they are developing tools to identify emerging synthetic and designer drugs.

The Research

Projects & Programs

Metrology and Standards for Canine Olfactory Detection of Explosives

As part of a multi-year interagency agreement between the Office of Standards of the Department of Homeland Security and NIST, NIST is developing measurement

Electron Ionization Library Component of the NIST/EPA/NIH Mass Spectral Library and NIST GC Retention Index Database

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed and maintains evaluated libraries of reference data for the identification of chemicals

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Additional Resources Links

Publications

News

A scientist in lab coat and rubber gloves places a large clear bag of marijuana on a weighing scale.

NIST Study Will Help Labs Distinguish Between Hemp and Marijuana