Toxicology and DUI/DUID Blood Collection Process

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Questions and Answers

Which types of cases does the Toxicology Section analyze?

Driving under the influence and death investigations (correct)

Traffic violations and petty theft

Assault cases and civil disputes

Theft and fraud investigations

What is supplied to law enforcement agencies for DUI/DUID testing?

Drug Testing Panels

Alcohol Testing Strips

DUI/DUID Blood Specimen Collection Kits (correct)

Blood Sample Preservation Kits

How is the designated laboratory for Blood Specimen Collection Kits determined?

By random selection from a list of regional labs

According to the timeliness of service the lab can provide (correct)

By the size of the laboratory

Based on which lab is closest to the agency

What is the purpose of the Uncertainty of Measurement (UoM) statement?

To highlight the expected variation in measurements Signup and view all the answers

Which biological samples does the Toxicology Section primarily analyze?

Blood and other biological samples Signup and view all the answers

Who can be contacted for inquiries regarding the Toxicology laboratory?

Any personnel from the regional offices listed Signup and view all the answers

What does the Toxicology Section analyze in addition to biological samples?

Beverages for the presence of alcohol Signup and view all the answers

When submitting Blood Specimen Collection Kits, what packaging is specified?

No secondary mailing package is necessary Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the DUI/DUID Blood Specimen Collection Kit provided by DFS?

Two gray top blood vials Signup and view all the answers

Who is permitted to withdraw blood for the DUI/DUID samples?

Registered nurse or phlebotomist Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the accused is known to have a blood borne disease?

Hand deliver the kit to DFS Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the povidone iodine swab in the collection process?

To cleanse the arm before blood withdrawal Signup and view all the answers

What must be attached to each blood vial after filling?

The Certificate of Blood Withdrawal (CBW) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key requirement for sealing the blood vials?

They must be sealed by the individual taking the sample Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the DUI/DUID Submission Information Sheet?

To indicate the investigating officer and related information Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action for transporting the DUI/DUID container?

Mail the container as soon as possible Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with Part A of the evidence seal?

Remove backing and adhere to the vial Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper procedure for handling the CBW?

Adhere only the small numbered strip to the vial Signup and view all the answers

How should the blood specimen holder be packaged?

Put in a plastic bag and sealed Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the remainder of the blood sample after examination?

It is preserved for at least 120 days Signup and view all the answers

What document is mailed to the clerk of the court after examination completion?

Completed CoA with the affixed CBW Signup and view all the answers

What is required before the blood sample can be transmitted to an independent laboratory?

A court order or notice must be received Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a proper action when adhering CBW to the vial?

Do NOT seal the outer container before mailing Signup and view all the answers

Which marking should be used on the mailing envelope containing blood specimens?

BIOHAZARD Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the DUI/DUID protocol in blood sample testing?

To identify alcohol and drugs that can impair driving Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs is included in the DUID screening panel?

Buprenorphine Signup and view all the answers

What does a blood alcohol content (BAC) determination greater than 0.100% w/v indicate?

Legal intoxication Signup and view all the answers

What method is mentioned for determining blood alcohol content?

Headspace Gas Chromatography Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT included in the DUID screening panel?

Caffeine Signup and view all the answers

What happens if cannabinoids are screened but not detected?

The result is reported as 'no cannabinoids detected' Signup and view all the answers

What may be conducted if specifically requested by a DFS toxicologist?

Additional drug testing Signup and view all the answers

Where can approved methods for drug testing be found?

Toxicology Procedures Manual Signup and view all the answers

At what level of confidence is measurement uncertainty reported for blood alcohol or ethanol?

99.73% Signup and view all the answers

What was the quantified concentration of oxycodone in the analysis?

0.12 mg/L Signup and view all the answers

What is the method used for alcohol measurement in this analysis?

Headspace Gas Chromatography Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs was not detected in the analyzed specimen?

No drugs were detected Signup and view all the answers

What is the reported Blood Alcohol Content in the analysis?

0.025 ± 0.001% w/v Signup and view all the answers

Which method was used for the quantitation of Opioids and other drugs?

LCMSMS Signup and view all the answers

What level of confidence is measurement uncertainty reported for all toxicological analyses except blood alcohol?

95.45% Signup and view all the answers

Which drug classes were screened in the specimen apart from alcohols?

Multiple drug classes including opiates, oxycodone, and methamphetamine Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Toxicology

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) Toxicology Section analyzes biological samples for alcohol, drugs and poisons.
Samples are collected for:
- DUI/DUID investigations
- Drug-facilitated crimes
- Death investigations
- Other investigations that may involve toxicology testing
The DFS Toxicology Section also analyzes beverages for alcohol content.
The DFS provides DUI/DUID Blood Specimen Collection Kits to law enforcement agencies.
Each jurisdiction's kits should be submitted to the designated regional DFS laboratory for testing.
Submitting to a different lab may be necessary for other evidence types due to service efficiency.
The regional DFS laboratory designated for blood test kits is printed on the mailing box.
No secondary mailing package is required for the collection kits.

DUI/DUID Blood Specimen Collection Process

Two gray top blood vials, two Certificates of Blood Withdrawal (CBW), a DUI/DUID Submission Information Sheet, povidone iodine swab, and evidence seals are included in the kit.
Blood should be withdrawn from the suspect by a qualified individual (e.g., physician, nurse, phlebotomist).
The arm should be cleansed with the povidone iodine swab before withdrawing blood into the two vacutainer tubes.
After drawing blood, seal the vials using the provided evidence seals.
Fill out the CBW forms, attach one to each vial and place in a container provided by the DFS.
Seal this container to prevent tampering and promptly transport or mail to the designated DFS laboratory.
If the accused has a bloodborne disease, hand-deliver the kit to the DFS and indicate this on the Request for Laboratory Examination (RFLE) form.
The completed CoA with the affixed CBW will be mailed to the clerk of the court with a copy being sent to the investigating officer, if possible.

DUI/DUID Testing Protocols

The DFS Toxicology Section uses a protocol for testing blood samples in DUI/DUID cases.
The protocol uses two levels of testing to identify alcohol and drugs that can impair driving.

Testing Levels

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Determination: Measures alcohol concentration in the blood.
DUID Screening Panel (Immunoassay): Screens for various drugs of abuse including:
- Amphetamine
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Buprenorphine
- Cannabinoids
- Carisoprodol/meprobamate
- Cocaine/Benzoylecgonine
- Dextromethorphan
- Diphenhydramine
- Fentanyl
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine/MDMA
- Opiates
- Oxycodone/oxymorphone
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Tramadol
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Zolpidem

Reporting Results:

The CoA will reflect the results based on the protocols and testing performed.
Reports include:
- BAC measurements and testing method
- Detected drug name and concentration
- Testing methods used for each substance or drug class screened for
- Note about any other drugs or drug classes that were not detected
- Statement that supporting examination documentation is maintained in the case file
- A link to find the DFS Toxicology Procedures Manual
- A statement about the confidence level of measurement uncertainty for the analyses.
Different scenarios and examples are provided for various cases, including when BAC is above or below the legal limit, and when drugs are detected.

Important Notes about CBW Placement:

Do not adhere the entire CBW to the vial or wrap it around the vial in any way other than demonstrated in the guide.
Do not place the vial seal over the CBW.
Proper placement of the CBW is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the evidence chain.

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Description

This quiz covers the role of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science in toxicology analysis, including procedures for collecting biological samples related to DUI/DUID investigations. It provides insights into the legal and operational aspects of toxicology testing for various cases, including death investigations and drug-facilitated crimes.