The Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology Unit of the Department of Chemical and Narcological Examination at the National Forensic Bureau annually participates in proficiency testing organized by ENFSI and occupies one of the leading positions with its results.
For the annual proficiency testing 2020, four analytical samples were submitted by the Drug Working Group of the European Network of Forensic Institutions (ENFSI); 65 European laboratories participated in the test and the quantitative results were sent from 54 laboratories.
ENFSI proficiency test involves determining the qualitative and quantitative content of drugs, psychotropic and new psychoactive substances in powders of unknown composition. In addition to the analysis results, participating laboratories are also required to determine the anionic composition of the active components, assess the uncertainty of measurement and statistically process the data.
The 2020 test included drugs - MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), methamphetamine, herbal powder containing tetrahydrocannabinol, and the psychoactive substance GHB (γ-hydroxybutyrate). The Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology Unit determined qualities of these substances, and qualitative and quantitative content of MDM (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), methamphetamine, vegetable powder containing tetrahydrocannabinol.
The main criterion for statistical evaluation of the proficiency testing - Z-score< 2 has demonstrated that the Unit of Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology successfully passed the test again, and received first category evaluation from Z-score 0.5; 1.1 and 1.5 per three samples from the DWG of the ENFSI.
The Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology Unit at the Department of Chemical and Narcological Examination of National Forensic Bureau has been participating in proficiency tests (ENFSI, UNODC, EDQM-STRASBOURG) since 2010 on annual basis and has always occupied top positions. According to the data of the current year, as well as results of tests conducted across Europe and statistical evaluation of the analysis results, the National Forensic Bureau is among leading laboratories. The obtained results indicate high qualification of the Bureau’s experts, application of valid methods and compliance to international standards.