Detection of Trace Levels of Drugs in Dust by TD–GC/MS

Forensic detection of proscribed (banned) substances such as heroin or cocaine requires analysis of real-world samples, such as household dust. Direct thermal desorption of materials like this can provide a simple and sensitive approach to drug analysis, and facilitates rapid screening of a broad spectrum of compounds. This application note demonstrates the successful detection of trace levels of several drugs of abuse in a sample of household dust.