Thermo Scientific TruNarc User manual

Thermo Scientific
TruNarc
User Guide
110-00056-02

© 2013 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved.
TruNarc is a registered trademark of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. in the United States.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. provides this document to its customers with a product
purchase to use in the product operation. This document is copyright protected and any
reproduction of the whole or any part of this document is strictly prohibited, except with the
written authorization of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
The contents of this document are subject to change without notice. All technical
information in this document is for reference purposes only. System configurations and
specifications in this document supersede all previous information received by the purchaser.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. makes no representations that this document is complete,
accurate or error-free and assumes no responsibility and will not be liable for any errors,
omissions, damage or loss that might result from any use of this document, even if the
information in the document is followed properly.
This document is not part of any sales contract between Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. and a
purchaser. This document shall in no way govern or modify any Terms and Conditions of
Sale, which Terms and Conditions of Sale shall govern all conflicting information between the
two documents.

Thermo Scientific TruNarc User Guide 1
C
Contents
Preface
Contacting Us ............................................................................................5
Safety Notices.............................................................................................6
Eye Safety...................................................................................................8
Chapter 1 Getting Started
TruNarc Analyzer Front Diagram ..............................................................9
TruNarc Analyzer Side and Bottom Diagrams..........................................10
Carrying Case Contents............................................................................11
Positioning the Self Check Standard.........................................................11
Turning the TruNarc Analyzer On and Off .............................................12
Activating the Laser ..................................................................................13
Opening and Closing the Access Door .....................................................14
Recharging the Battery .............................................................................14
Setting the Date, Time, and Time Zone...................................................15
Using the Wall Plug Adapters...................................................................15
Chapter 2 Performing a Scan
Follow Safe Scanning Practices .................................................................17
How to Get a Good Scan .........................................................................19
Performing a Self Check...........................................................................19
Best Practices for Scanning .......................................................................22
Performing a Scan ....................................................................................24
Understanding Scan Results .....................................................................25
Viewing Stored Scan and Self Check Results ............................................27
Chapter 3 Using the Solution Kit (Type H)
How the Solution Kit (Type H) Works....................................................29
Preparing for a Solution Kit (Type H) Scan .............................................30
Performing a Solution Kit (Type H) Scan ................................................30
Interpreting the Scan Result .....................................................................33
Scanning Black Tar Heroin ......................................................................34
Disposing of Used Test Sticks and Vials ...................................................34

Contents
2TruNarc User Guide Thermo Scientific
Chapter 4 Using the TruNarc Admin Software
Key Parts of the Main Window................................................................ 36
Renaming Columns................................................................................. 37
Changing the Order of Columns ............................................................. 37
Entering Text into Columns.................................................................... 37
Synchronizing Data with the TruNarc Admin Software........................... 38
Searching for Scan Results by Key Words ................................................ 38
Searching for Scan Results by Date .......................................................... 39
Deleting Scan Results from the TruNarc Analyzer ................................... 39
Viewing and Printing Reports.................................................................. 40
Customizing the Report Logo.................................................................. 41
Exporting Scan Results ............................................................................ 42
Viewing the TruNarc Analyzer Library .................................................... 42
Changing the TruNarc Analyzer Time..................................................... 43
Changing the TruNarc Analyzer Language .............................................. 43
Viewing the Admin Software Version Number ........................................ 44
Editing Your TruNarc Admin Account Information................................ 44
Reviewing the TruNarc Admin Operator Training.................................. 44
Chapter 5 Maintenance and Getting Help
Getting Reachback Support ..................................................................... 45
Cleaning the Nose Cone and Self Check Standard................................... 46
Cleaning and Decontaminating the TruNarc Analyzer ............................ 46
Ordering Solution Kit (Type H) Test Sticks and Ethanol Vials ............... 46
Locating the TruNarc Analyzer Serial Number ........................................ 46
Purchasing Scan Credits........................................................................... 47
Transferring Scan Credits to One or More TruNarc Analyzers ................ 49
Checking Whether Scan Credits Were Transferred.................................. 50
Returning the TruNarc Analyzer for Service ............................................ 50
Chapter 6 TruNarc Safety Features
Qualifications for Operators .................................................................... 51
Overview ................................................................................................. 51
Scan Ready Screen ................................................................................... 52
Scan Delay Option .................................................................................. 52
Timeout Feature ...................................................................................... 53
Vial Holder.............................................................................................. 53

Contents
Thermo Scientific TruNarc User Guide 3
Appendix A Regulatory Statements and Warranty
Laser and Electrical Safety Labels..............................................................55
Chemical Safety Labels.............................................................................55
WEEE Compliance ..................................................................................56
WEEE Konformität..................................................................................56
Conformité DEEE ...................................................................................56
Limited Warranty.....................................................................................57

Contents
4TruNarc User Guide Thermo Scientific

Thermo Scientific TruNarc User Guide 5
P
Preface
The Thermo Scientific™ TruNarc™ analyzer is a 785-nm Raman
spectrometer used for the rapid identification of suspected narcotics.
Designed for law enforcement organizations, this handheld narcotics
identification system analyzes most substances through sealed packaging and
provides clear, definitive results. Using the companion TruNarc Admin
software, results may be uploaded to a computer, and reports may be
generated for every scan.
This guide describes how to scan substances with the TruNarc analyzer,
interpret scan results, use the TruNarc Admin software to set up and manage
a database of results, purchase scan credits, and maintain the instrument.
This guide includes a Safety section, Chapter 6, that describes the safety
features of the TruNarc. These safety features were designed to address the
inherent danger associated with clandestine (Clan Labs). Be sure to review
these features before using TruNarc in this environment.
Contacting Us
Telephone USA 1-800-374-1992
International [phone]
Email [email protected]
Website www.thermoscientific.com/trunarc-support
Mail 2 Radcliff Road, Tewksbury, MA 01876

PPreface
6TruNarc User Guide Thermo Scientific
Safety Notices
The TruNarc analyzer is designed to be used in a typical field environment
and is therefore considerably more rugged than a laboratory instrument.
However, the user should recognize that this is a precision scientific
instrument. Abuse and mistreatment of the TruNarc analyzer may lead to
degraded performance or premature failure.
CAUTION
The TruNarc analyzer is not designed to be intrinsically safe, and the user
should take the necessary precautions when using the analyzer.
CAUTION
Do not use the TruNarc analyzer unless you have been trained in its use.
CAUTION
The TruNarc analyzer incorporates a laser diode that emits a maximum
350-mW beam at 785 nm. A 9-mm focal length lens is used to concentrate the
energy on a sample. The beam diameter at the plane of the focal lens is
approximately 9.6 mm.
CAUTION
CAUTION: This instrument is certified as a Class IIIB laser product to the
requirements of the U.S. Federal Product Performance Standard for Laser
Products contained in the regulations of 21 CFR Sub-Chapter “J” except for
deviations pursuant to Department of Health and Human Services issued Laser
Notices. The TruNarc analyzer also complies with IEC 60825-1 Ed. 2(2007).
CAUTION
Exposure to Class IIIB levels of laser energy can be hazardous. Avoid exposure
to the beam. Exposure to specular (mirror-like) reflections should also be
avoided. Never point the TruNarc analyzer at anyone. In the absence of a
workplace safety standard or requirements, refer to the American National
Standard ANSI Z136.1 for the safe use of lasers or the International Standard
IEC 60825-14 user's guide for guidance on identifying and controlling hazards
associated with laser use. Calculations performed in accordance with the
recommended practices of ANSI Z136.1 and IEC 60825-1 give a Nominal
Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD) of approximately 14 inches (35 cm) from the
sample point of the lens and an estimated optical density (OD) greater than 3.
CAUTION
Exposure to levels of laser energy above the maximum permissible exposure
(MPE) can be harmful to the eye. The MPE for this analyzer is 1.48 mW/cm2.
The emitted energy must travel a minimum distance of 14 inches (35 cm)
before its concentration is below the MPE for normal viewing. This distance is
defined as the hazard zone. With proper use, exposure to levels above the
MPE can be avoided. Avoid exposure to the beam.

Preface P
Thermo Scientific TruNarc User Guide 7
CAUTION
Use administrative controls, engineering controls, and/or laser safety glasses
to avoid exposure to laser radiation within the 14-inch (35 cm) hazard zone. Use
laser safety eyewear of an optical density (OD) greater than 3 at 785 nm.
14-inch (35 cm)
hazard zone
CAUTION!
CAUTION
Do not operate the TruNarc analyzer if the laser aperture is cracked. When the
laser aperture is cracked, the instrument’s laser beam is collimated rather than
divergent, and the laser is no longer safe to operate under any circumstances.
The laser aperture is most likely to crack when you drop the instrument. To
check for cracks, turn the instrument off, remove the nose cone, and check the
integrity of the laser aperture. If the laser aperture is cracked, take the
instrument out of service and contact Thermo Fisher Scientific Customer
Support.
CAUTION
There are no user-serviceable components inside the TruNarc analyzer. The
connector compartment door may be opened, but do not open the protective
enclosure or modify the electronics within. All service operations must be
performed by Thermo Fisher Scientific or an authorized service agent of Thermo
Fisher Scientific. Any attempt by the user to open the TruNarc analyzer will
render the warranty null and void.
CAUTION
WARNING: Use of controls, adjustments, or performance of procedures other
than those specified herein or those specified by the manufacturer's personnel
may result in a hazardous condition.
CAUTION
Follow your organization's procedure and regulations for the handling of
unknown substances. WARNING: Scanning a thermally sensitive material
contained in a tightly sealed vessel (e.g., capped jar or vial) with the TruNarc
analyzer may cause a pressure build up and subsequent explosion of the
vessel.

PPreface
8TruNarc User Guide Thermo Scientific
Eye Safety
CAUTION
The Solution Kit (Type H) holds vials of ethanol. These vials are used in the
testing procedure. Ethanol is categorized as a hazardous good and a flammable
substance. Consult the Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on ethanol for
detailed safety information. You will find a copy of the MSDS inside the box in
which the Solution Kit (Type H) is packaged. Be sure to check shipping
regulations and requirements before shipping the Solution Kit (Type H) or
transporting it on an airplane. Do not ship broken or leaking ethanol vials.
CAUTION
Do not point the instrument at the eyes of other people.
CAUTION
Do not look at the laser aperture when the laser is on. Keep your eyes outside
the laser’s Hazard Zone of approximately 14 inches (35 cm), measured from the
laser’s aperture.

Thermo Scientific TruNarc User Guide 9
1
Start
Getting Started
TruNarc Analyzer Front Diagram
9 TruNarc Analyzer Front Diagram
10 TruNarc Analyzer Side and Bottom Diagrams
11 Carrying Case Contents
11 Positioning the Self Check Standard
12 Turning the TruNarc Analyzer On and Off
13 Activating the Laser
14 Opening and Closing the Access Door
14 Recharging the Battery
15 Setting the Date, Time, and Time Zone
15 Using the Wall Plug Adapters
Nose cone
Self check
standard
Laser indicator light Keys
Press to select menu items
Display

1Getting Started
10 TruNarc User Guide Thermo Scientific
Start
TruNarc Analyzer Side and Bottom Diagrams
Access door, open
USB connector
Laser aperture
Connector compartment
Nose cone,
removed

Getting Started 1
Thermo Scientific TruNarc User Guide 11
Carrying Case Contents
The carrying case holds the following accessories:
• A spare nose cone
• The AC adapter cable
• The USB cable
• A copy of the TruNarc Analyzer User Guide (this document)
• The TruNarc Analyzer Quick Start Guide
• A CD or USB stick containing the TruNarc Admin software
If you purchased the instrument configuration that includes Solution Kits
(Type H), it contains:
• Sealed vials of ethanol that are used during the Type H testing
procedure
• Individually packaged Type H test sticks
Inside of the box in which the Solution Kit (Type H) is packaged, you will
find a copy of the Materials Safety Data Sheet for ethanol. This document
provides detailed information about safety guidelines for handling ethanol.
Positioning the Self Check Standard
The self check standard is a plastic bar that is attached to a hinge on the
bottom of the nose cone. The self check standard must be raised to its closed
position whenever you perform a self check. The self check is a diagnostic
procedure that you perform at regular intervals to verify that the analyzer is
operating properly. See page 19 for information on performing a self check.
Closed positionOpen position

1Getting Started
12 TruNarc User Guide Thermo Scientific
Turning the TruNarc Analyzer On and Off
The TruNarc analyzer is powered by an internal, non-removable battery. For
information on recharging the battery, see page 14.
To turn the TruNarc analyzer on
Press the bottom key to turn the analyzer on.
The Activate Laser screen appears. To operate the analyzer, you must enter
the laser activation code into this screen (see page 13).
To turn the TruNarc analyzer off
Press and hold the bottom key for 10 seconds.
Five seconds after you begin pressing the key, the analyzer displays
countdown screens for the remaining 5 seconds.
If you release the key before 10 seconds elapse, the shutdown process stops,
and the analyzer remains turned on.
Press this key to turn on

Getting Started 1
Thermo Scientific TruNarc User Guide 13
Activating the Laser
To activate the laser, you must enter a code into the analyzer. You will receive
the laser activation code after you complete the required training. The
TruNarc Admin software includes a hyperlink to the training course.
When you turn on the TruNarc analyzer, the Activate Laser screen shows
three numbers next to the three analyzer keys. Press the keys that correspond
to the numbers in the laser activation code.
When you finish, the Welcome screen appears. If you purchased a Pay-Per-
Scan configuration of the TruNarc analyzer, the Welcome screen displays the
number of available scan credits.
Press this key to enter
the number 2
Welcome screen for the
Pay-Per-Scan configuration
Available scan credits

1Getting Started
14 TruNarc User Guide Thermo Scientific
Opening and Closing the Access Door
The access door on the bottom of the analyzer (see page 10) is designed to
securely seal the connector compartment.
To open the access door
Pry the door loose with your thumb, and then gently pull it open.
To close the access door
Press the door firmly into the opening to completely seat it into the
connector compartment opening.
Recharging the Battery
The battery provides eight hours of power in normal use. To determine
approximately how much battery power is left in the analyzer, check the
battery power icon in the top right corner of the display.
You can recharge the battery by connecting the analyzer to an electrical
outlet or to a USB port on a computer.
Connecting to an electrical outlet is the fastest method, with a recharge time
of three hours for a completely discharged battery. Connecting to a
computer is a much slower way to recharge. You may find it convenient to
leave the analyzer connected to the computer overnight when you choose to
recharge with that method.
To recharge the battery by connecting the analyzer to an electrical outlet
1Connect the AC adapter cable to the USB connector inside the connector
compartment.
2Plug the cable into an electrical outlet.
CAUTION
When the access door to the connector compartment is open, the
environmental seal is broken, and the system is no longer water- and
dust-resistant.
TIP
When battery power is critically low, the battery power icon turns red, and the
analyzer displays a warning that it is time to recharge the battery.
If you do not recharge the battery at this point, the battery will soon become
depleted, and the analyzer will automatically shut down. If this happens,
recharge the battery as described in this section.

Getting Started 1
Thermo Scientific TruNarc User Guide 15
To recharge the battery by connecting the analyzer to a computer
1Connect the USB cable to the USB connector inside the connector
compartment.
2Plug the cable into a USB port on a computer.
Setting the Date, Time, and Time Zone
You must use the Admin software to change the date, time, and time zone
that the analyzer uses (see page 43).
Using the Wall Plug Adapters
Your TruNarc analyzer comes with a set of international wall plug adapters.
To install an adapter, press it into the recess in the wall plug of the AC
adapter cable, until the adapter clicks into place. To remove an adapter, slide
the release latch down and pull the adapter out.
AC adapter cable connected USB cable connected

1Getting Started
16 TruNarc User Guide Thermo Scientific

Thermo Scientific TruNarc User Guide 17
2
Scanning
Performing a Scan
Follow Safe Scanning Practices
17 Follow Safe Scanning Practices
19 How to Get a Good Scan
19 Performing a Self Check
22 Best Practices for Scanning
24 Performing a Scan
25 Understanding Scan Results
27 Viewing Stored Scan and Self Check Results
CAUTION
Do not use the TruNarc analyzer if you have not successfully completed the
training course for the product. The TruNarc analyzer uses a Class IIIB laser.
Failure to follow recommended safety procedures can cause damage to the
eyes, hazard of fire, and/or hazard of detonation or explosion.
CAUTION
Do not scan gunpowder, match tips, or any material that you suspect may be
thermally sensitive.
CAUTION
Use extra caution in the following situations, which pose special ignition
hazards for scans of potentially thermally sensitive materials:
• The material is lying on a dark-colored surface, such as a dark tabletop.
Such a surface can absorb heat and laser energy, which can heat the
material to its ignition point.
• The material is lying on filter paper. Papers made of dense cellulose fibers,
such as coffee filter papers or paper towels, can trap laser heat and catch
fire.

2Performing a Scan
18 TruNarc User Guide Thermo Scientific
Scanning
Follow these safety practices whenever you scan a substance:
1Maintain at least 14 inches (35 cm) of distance between the analyzer and
your eyes. (This distance is the Nominal Ocular Hazard Zone Distance, or
NOHD.)
2Never point the TruNarc analyzer at anyone’s eyes.
3Never operate the TruNarc analyzer when the laser aperture is cracked (to
locate the laser aperture, see the illustration on page 9). To check for
cracks, make sure that the analyzer is turned off (see page 12), remove the
nose cone, and visually inspect the laser aperture. Always check the laser
aperture for cracks if you drop the analyzer.
4When scanning material that may be thermally sensitive:
• Use the Scan Delay feature to conduct scans from a safe distance, as
described in Chapter 6.
• Do not scan the material in place if it is lying on filter paper or similar
cotton-fiber bases. Instead, place a sample of the material in a container
such as a plastic bag or glass vial and then scan the container.
• Use extra caution if the material is lying on a dark surface. Transfer the
sample onto a piece of firm white paper for safe scanning. If possible,
scrape the material into a small pile before you scan it, to ensure that
the laser sample point is within the sample and is not striking the
underlying dark surface. See below for an explanation of the sample
point for the TruNarc analyzer.
• Wear all necessary personal protective gear.
5When scanning in vial mode, always uncap the vial to prevent a projectile
hazard caused by the build up of pressure. Likewise, never stand directly
over the vial when scanning in vial mode.
6Minimize the size of the sample to reduce the impact if the sample ignites:
• Liquids ~ 300 ul (< 5 drops)
• Solids ~ 300 mg (size of a pea)
7The heat sink may become warm to the touch when you perform many
scans consecutively. The heat sink is a black area on the back of the
analyzer, adjacent to the back label. Avoid touching your fingers to the
heat sink when holding the analyzer during a scan.