Toxicology and DUI/DUID Blood Collection Process

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• Blood should be withdrawn from the suspect by a qualified individual (e.g., physician, nurse, phlebotomist).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.