ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes and considers both macroscopic and microscopic information. The Chemistry department analyses non-biological materials or substances found at crime scenes, in an individual or on a person to identify and sometimes quantify the unknown compound which aids in judicial investigations. The department can also ascertain whether the identified compound is controlled under the legislation of Guyana and present findings in the court.

SUBMISSION EXAMPLES 

• Tablets

• Capsules

• Crystals

• Powders

• Blotter papers

• Plant material

• Liquids

• Bottles

• Drug Paraphernalia

• Fabric or clothing

• Creams

• Gummies

• Edibles

ANALYTICAL SCOPE

• Determine if an amphetamine type stimulant is present

• Determine if a cannabinoid or cannabinoid containing product is present

• Determine if cocaine or cocaine containing product is present

• Determine if cannabis or cannabis containing product is present

• Determine if an opioid or opiate present

• Determine if a corrosive substance is present

• Determine if  a new psychoactive substance is present

• Determine if a pesticide is present

• Determine if a clandestine chemical is present

• Determine if a date rape drug is present

• Identification of an unknown substance

INSTRUMENTATION

The Chemistry Department uses a wide array of analytical instruments and techniques to generate information to characterize each recovered sample which includes:

• Presumptive Color Tests

• Field Test Kits

• Steromicroscope 

• Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)

• Gas Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS)

• Liquid Chromatography/ Diode Array Detector (LC/DAD) 

• Liquid Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometer (LC/MS) 

• Ultraviolet – Visual spectrophotometer (UV/Vis)