Kenneth J Fitzpatrick

US Patent:

54570549, Oct 10, 1995

Filed:

Nov 18, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/342403

Inventors:

George H. Geisinger - Mountainside NJ
Kenneth R. Fitzpatrick - Upper Saddle River NJ
L. J. Scott - Flower Mound TX

International Classification:

G01N 3394
G01N 3348

US Classification:

436 92

Abstract:

A self-contained unit test for qualitative identification of suspect substances including cocaine, heroin and cannabis, includes a visualization reagent having a compound which undergoes a visible color change when contacted by a suspect substance. The unit test further includes a pad formed from a bibulous material impregnated with the reagent and a unit package for containing the pad and maintaining the reagent in an as-filled, ready-to-use state during storage. A method for visualization of a suspect substance with a unit test of the present invention includes providing a unit test for a suspect substance which includes a visualization reagent for qualitative identification of a suspect substance impregnated on a pad formed from a bibulous material, and scaled in a unit package. The method further includes opening the package, and wiping the pad on as sample containing the suspect substance. The pad surface is then observed for any color changes, the color change being indicative of contact with the suspect substance.