3.1 This guide provides information for the sampling of seized-drug submissions.

3.2 The principal purpose of sampling in the context of this guide is to answer relevant questions about a population by examination of a portion of the population. For example:

What is the net weight of the population?

What portion of the units of a population can be said to contain a given drug at a given level of confidence?

3.3 By developing a sampling strategy and implementing appropriate sampling schemes, as illustrated in Fig. 1, a laboratory will minimize the total number of required analytical determinations, while ensuring that all relevant legal and scientific requirements are met.

1.1 This guide covers minimum considerations for sampling of seized drugs for qualitative and quantitative analysis.

1.2 This guide cannot replace knowledge, skill, or ability acquired through appropriate education, training, and experience and should be used in conjunction with sound professional judgment.