The Peaceful Pill eHandbook Testing Nembutal using Infrared Spectroscopy
Infrared spectroscopy is a technique in which light in the infrared part of the spectrum is directed onto a substance for analysis. Different frequencies of this radiation are selectively absorbed and the spectra provide a unique fingerprint of the substance under analysis. While the process has been used for many years the equipment needed to irradiate the sample, collect and analyse the resulting spectrum has been bulky and expensive. A recent development by Israeli tech start-up Consumer-Physics has led to the development of the handheld SCiO molecular sensor, a device that makes this technology accessible to the general public.
SCiO sensor with ‘00’ capsules of powder for testing
The full potential of this device in testing samples of sodium pentobarbital is yet to be determined. Initial tests have been positive, in being able to detect that the powder is Nembutal, and that there are no other significant contaminants. Exit is developing the necessary App by testing a large number of samples of Nembutal (many of which have also had GC laboratory testing) and recording the resultant spectra.
