Frequently asked questions
Question: Is it worth sending banknotes to be tested for cocaine when 99.9% of banknotes in general circulation have cocaine on them?
Answer: Yes, MSA experts can easily discern the difference between general circulation banknotes and those involved with cocaine related activities, by comparing the amounts of cocaine detected against our extensive database.
Question: MSA found unusual contamination on the banknotes submitted. Can the banknotes be banked?
Answer: Once the defence has be given the opportunity to examine the banknotes themselves, it is recommended that contaminated banknotes be destroyed to prevent them being returned into general circulation. The Bank of England is able to reimburse the value of notes destroyed in this way.
Question: How do you recommend banknotes be seized?
Answer: Please refer to the Handling of Exhibits documents.
Question: Is the banknote technique employed by MSA detrimental to the exhibit?
Answer: No, there is no damage to the banknotes.
Question: Do you treat the banknotes with any harmful chemicals during the testing progress?
Answer: No. The banknotes are briefly exposed to temperatures high enough to liberate the illicit substance from their surface. The banknotes present no risk to future handlers as a consequence of our process.
Question: Can we count the banknotes before we submitted the exhibit to MSA?
Answer: MSA recommends that exhibits remain unopened until they are submitted to the laboratory due to the risk of cross contamination. If it is vital that the banknotes are counted then please follow the suggested guidelines set out in the Handling of Exhibits.
Question: We have an ion mobility spectrometer (Itemiser or Ionscan), can we use it to screen banknotes for drugs?
Answer: Ideally MSA experts would prefer that exhibits are not handled by Officers prior to submission at MSA, and that the Handling of Exhibits guidelines are followed. If pre-screening is taking place, then the criminal protocols issued by the Home Office must be followed.
Question: If the ion mobility spectrometer (Itemiser or Ionscan), gives a positive result for drugs such as cocaine, heroin, THC, MDMA etc. will the results be confirmed at MSA?
Answer: The results of the pre-screen may not always be confirmed at MSA. The ion mobility spectrometer (Itemiser or Ionscan) is only a screening tool and can give an incorrect response. This is one of the reasons why it is only suitable for use in civil cocaine cases.
Question: Can I use the results from the ion mobility spectrometer (Itemiser or Ionscan) in criminal court?
Answer: No, the ion mobility spectrometer (Itemiser or Ionscan) can only be used for cocaine in civil cases.
Question: Where is MSA based?
Answer: MSA has two laboratories in Filton, Bristol. Click here to view a map of our location.
Question: We are having a training day and we believe we would benefit from having MSA talk to us. Would this be possible?
Answer: Yes. MSA experts can provide free training and presentations as part of seminars, meetings and forensic awareness days. Please refer to our Training & Education page for details.
Question: What type of statement or report will I expect to receive?
Answer: MSA offers both a staged and non-staged reporting system. The staged reporting system includes the provision of an abbreviated statement, which can be followed with a full evaluative statement if the case proceeds to court and MSA expert evidence has not been agreed. The full evaluative report expands on details of continuity and integrity, basis of opinion, and can include visual representations of the data. The non-staged reporting system includes the provision of a full evaluative statement, without the intermediary abbreviated statement.
Question: If I request staged reporting and I subsequently need a full evaluative statement, how much notice should I give the expert assigned to my case?
Answer: Please allow a minimum of four weeks for a full evaluative report to be generated.
Question: How much does it cost?
Answer: Please contact MSA for a quotation. Why not use the online facility provided?
Question: How long does it take to have a job completed?
Answer: MSA's service level agreement states that where possible the process will take 30 working days. MSA can provide a 'While you Wait' analysis service (subject to surcharge), where the analysis can be performed the same day as delivery.
Question: What drugs can you test banknotes for?
Answer: Please refer to our Banknote page for a list of drugs and substances MSA experts are commonly asked to target. If you require an analysis for a substance you don’t see listed there, then please call us to discuss.
Question: How do I submit a job to MSA?
Answer: Give us a call! We can provide you with a quote for authorisation. Once the costs have been agreed we will make an appointment for you to deliver the exhibits to us. We require a copy of the forensic submission form complete with cost code.
Question: Can you preserve items for fingerprints and DNA?
Answer: MSA can separate items of packaging, rubber bands or outer banknotes for fingerprint or DNA analysis. However, MSA is not currently a DNA safe laboratory.
Question: We only really use the banknote analysis service. What other exhibits can MSA analyse?
Answer: MSA experts can analyse a range of different exhibits. Please refer to our ‘Forensic Services’ pages, for our full range of services.
Question: I have never used MSA’s services before, how established is the banknote analysis service?
Answer: MSA’s approach to banknote analysis has been successfully tested through the court of Appeal and reviewed by the Forensic Regulator. Please visit our ‘Resources’ page for links to the rulings and the report.
Question: Is it possible to match the drugs found on banknotes with bulk drugs?
Answer: No, the amount of drugs present on banknotes is not normally sufficient to perform a match with bulk drugs. In some cases, more unusual cutting agents can be sought .
Question: Can MSA experts give evidence on behalf of the defence.
Answer: Yes, MSA experts are independent and can give evidence for both the prosecution and defence (however, not on the same case!)