PROCEDURE
When residue containing cocaine is combined with the dry reagent zone on the test card, the reagent will produce a bright blue color change.
Depending on the nature of the sample, this color change may occur on the test pen, on the test card, or on both surfaces. For this reason, it is essential that you check both the pen and card for indication of color change.
The color development for a positive result should be rapid and will often be permanent. Depending on how much residue is collected, the intensity of the blue color could range from weak to very strong. If you are unsure of whether the color you are seeing is considered a positive result, consult the color reference panel on the test card.
After a few minutes, the color on the test may fade or change, so it is important to collect results as soon as possible. You may also fill out the fields on the Record Card to note the conditions and results of the test.
Since Verifique’s tests rely on a color change, there are several factors to consider about the use of the test. The following can result in mistaken readings that are based on human or procedural error, rather than an error with the color chemistry:
- Improper/non-white lighting used in the test procedure
- Partial to full color blindness of the operator
- Highly colored/color-producing samples used in testing (wet or dry paints, dyes, tea leaves, etc.)
- Highly viscous or thick samples used in testing (candle wax, silicone oil, engineering grease, etc.)
Sample Collection
The Verifique Test Pen will be used to collect your sample. You should use the tip of the pen to dab, swab, or rub the surface that you are testing, depending on the nature of the sample. This process should take up to 10 seconds.
In the case that you are testing a powder, or crystalline sample, it is important to collect the sample gently, so as not to disturb it. Vigorous rubbing or dabbing may result in the sample becoming airborne, which increases the risk of incidental inhalation or skin exposure.
You are aiming to collect as much potential residue as possible and concentrate it on the tip of your pen. If you are testing a visible residue like a powder, or crushed pill, you should be able to see the residue picked up on the pen’s tip.
For testing vape pens, if possible, you should dab the tip of the pen into the oil well of the cartridge. If you are unable to access the cartridge, you should aim to swab the surfaces with the most potential residue, the mouthpiece and oil cartridge.
It is important to remember that your test results apply only to the portion of the sample you collected from. A positive or negative result for a portion of the sample cannot be guaranteed across the rest
Conducting the Test
Once you have collected your sample, you will combine it with the reagent printed in the reagent zone of the Verifique Test Card. This is done by pressing the tip of the test pen into the center of the card’s reagent zone. The user should hold the pen against the reagent zone for 10 seconds and withdraw the pen to read the results.
If a detectable cocaine compound was picked up in your sample, the reagent should produce a bright blue color. This could happen immediately or take up to 30 seconds. Be sure to check both the reagent zone and test pen tip for any signs of color development.
If any blue develops within 30 seconds, the result of the test is positive for cocaine.
If no blue color develops within 30 seconds, the result of the test is negative for cocaine.
