Phencyclidine identification by thin-layer chromatography. A rapid screening procedure for emergency toxicology.

The clinical manifestations of phencyclidine abuse may include bizarre neuropsychiatric symptoms, which may mimic the untoward reactions of a variety of illicit drugs. Specific diagnosis and therapy depend, primarily, upon consideration of this drug followed by its prompt and accurate identification. A rapid modified thin-layer chromatographic technic for the detection and differentiation of phencyclindine from other alkaloids and neutral drugs with similar Rf values in this system is presented.