ASTM E2125-19 - 1.11.2019
 
Significance and Use

5.1 This technique involves a chemical-precipitation reaction between the phencyclidine or its analogues and the precipitating reagent. The habit and the aggregation of the crystals formed could be used to distinguish phencyclidine or its analogues from other drugs.

5.2 This technique can be utilized on phencyclidine or its analogues present in either the salt or free base form.

5.3 This technique does not distinguish between salt and free base forms.

 
1. Scope

1.1 This practice describes procedures applicable to the analysis of phencyclidine and its analogues using microcrystal tests (1-8).2

1.2 These procedures are applicable to phencyclidine and its analogues which are present in solid form or in a liquid form. They are not typically applicable to the analysis of phencyclidine and its analogues in biological samples.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 These procedures could generate observations indicating a positive test for phencyclidine and its analogues which could be incorporated into the analytical scheme as defined by the laboratory.

1.5 This standard cannot replace knowledge, skills, or abilities acquired through appropriate education, training, and experience (see Practice E2326) and is to be used in conjunction with sound professional judgment by individuals with such discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

 
2. Referenced Documents

E2329-25

Standard Practice for Designing Analytical Schemes for the Identification of Chemical Substances in Suspected Seized Drug Evidence

E2548-26

Standard Practice for Sampling Seized Drugs for Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

E1459-24

Standard Practice for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related Documentation

E1492-25

Standard Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence by a Forensic Service Provider

E1732-25e1

Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science (Includes all amendments and changes 10/27/2025).