Toxicology at Virginia Forensic Science Department
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Questions and Answers

What types of samples does the Toxicology Section analyze?

  • Biological samples and beverages (correct)
  • Only biological samples
  • Only blood samples
  • Only beverages

    • Which types of cases does the Toxicology Section handle?

  • Only drug-related crimes
  • DUI/DUID, drug-facilitated crimes, and death investigations (correct)
  • Only traffic accidents
  • Only alcohol-related cases

    • What is provided to law enforcement agencies for DUI/DUID cases?

  • Evidence submission forms
  • Alcohol testing devices
  • Drug testing kits
  • DUI/DUID Blood Specimen Collection Kits (correct)

    • How does the Virginia Department of Forensic Science determine laboratory designation for Blood Specimen Collection Kits?

    <p>Based on the laboratory's ability to provide timely service</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What document contains the Uncertainty of Measurement (UoM) statement?

    <p>The Certificate of Analysis (CoA)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Is a secondary mailing package necessary for Blood Specimen Collection Kits?

    <p>No, it is not necessary.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who should be contacted for questions related to toxicology laboratory capabilities?

    <p>The Training Section or the Toxicology Section</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Toxicology Section analyze in beverages?

    <p>For the presence of alcohol</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Adhere it to the vial after removing the backing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the evidence seal should NOT have its backing removed?

    <p>Part B</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be done with the CBW after the blood examination is complete?

    <p>It must be mailed to the clerk of the court.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long will the remainder of the blood sample be preserved by DFS?

    <p>120 days</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done if no request to return the evidence is received?

    <p>The blood sample will be destroyed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should NOT be done with the CBW?

    <p>Adhere the entire CBW to the vial.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of placing the specimen holder into a plastic bag?

    <p>To keep it safe from external damage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be included with the outer container when mailing?

    <p>A mailing envelope marked BIOHAZARD.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What types of substances can be measured for concentration as mentioned in the collection guidelines?

    <p>Alcoholic beverages, over the counter medications, and carbon monoxide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is permitted to withdraw blood using the DUI/DUID Blood Specimen Collection Kit?

    <p>A registered nurse, phlebotomist, or designated technician</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be done to the blood vials before sealing them?

    <p>They must be cleaned with povidone iodine swab</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What accompanies the DUI/DUID Blood Specimen Collection Kit for documentation purposes?

    <p>Certificates of Blood Withdrawal and submission information sheet</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>The kit must be delivered personally to DFS</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a step in the sample collection process?

    <p>Sealing the vials before withdrawal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the evidence seals included in the DUI/DUID Blood Specimen Collection Kit?

    <p>To prevent tampering with the vials</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What step must be completed regarding the vials during the blood collection process?

    <p>A Certificate of Blood Withdrawal must be attached to each vial</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is included in the DUID Screening Panel for drug testing?

    <p>Fentanyl</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a blood alcohol level greater than 0.100% w/v indicate?

    <p>Impaired driving</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What method is used for determining Blood Alcohol Content?

    <p>Headspace Gas Chromatography</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which drug is NOT part of the DUID Screening Panel?

    <p>Psilocybin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the outcome when no cannabinoids are detected during testing?

    <p>Cannabinoids are excluded</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be maintained in the case file following a specimen analysis?

    <p>Supporting examination documentation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes the testing protocol for blood samples in DUI/DUID cases?

    <p>It allows for an expanded immunoassay screening panel.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the possible BAC reporting method from the example?

    <p>0.110 ± 0.005% by weight by volume</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What level of confidence is used to report measurement uncertainty for toxicological analyses other than blood alcohol?

    <p>95.45%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is used to quantify blood alcohol content?

    <p>Headspace Gas Chromatography</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How much oxycodone was quantified in the scenario provided?

    <p>0.12 mg/L</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>99.73%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What drugs and/or drug classes were detected in the scenario with quantified oxycodone?

    <p>No other drugs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following substances was screened for in the toxicological analysis?

    <p>Methadone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the reported blood alcohol content in one of the scenarios?

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

    Where can the methods used for the analyses be found?

    <p>In the Toxicology Procedures Manual</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Toxicology at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science

    • The DFS Toxicology Section analyzes biological samples for the presence of alcohol, drugs and poisons.
    • The section analyzes blood, urine, and other biological samples in cases such as driving under the influence of drugs (DUID), drug-facilitated crimes, death investigations, and other investigations.
    • Beverages are also analyzed for the presence of alcohol.
    • The department supplies DUI/DUID Blood Specimen Collection Kits to law enforcement agencies across Virginia.
    • Each jurisdiction has a designated regional laboratory to which they submit the kits for testing.
    • The designated laboratory may not be the same as the one used for other forensic evidence, but it's based on which lab can provide faster service.
    • All measurement results include an Uncertainty of Measurement (UoM) statement on the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) to account for variation in the measurement process.
    • The toxicology section conducts the following analyses:
      • Volatile compounds: Ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, acetone, etc.
      • Drugs of abuse
      • Over the counter and prescription medications
      • Miscellaneous: Carbon monoxide, heavy metals.
      • Alcoholic beverage content

    DUI/DUID Sample Collection Guidelines

    • Use a DUI/DUID Blood Specimen Collection Kit provided by DFS, which includes:
      • Two gray top blood vials
      • Two Certificates of Blood Withdrawal (CBW)
      • A DUI/DUID Submission Information Sheet
      • Povidone iodine swab to cleanse the arm
      • Evidence seals
    • Fill out and submit the DUI/DUID Submission Information Sheet with the kit:
      • Investigating officer
      • Agency
      • Drug-recognition expert information
      • Suspect
      • Jurisdiction
      • Any case-relevant facts
    • A medical professional (physician, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, phlebotomist, graduate laboratory technician or technician or nurse designated by a circuit court) cleanses the arm with povidone iodine and withdraws blood using the vacutainer tubes provided in the kit.
    • The vials are sealed by the person taking the sample or at their direction.
    • One completed CBW form is attached to each vial.
    • The vials are placed in the container provided by DFS, which is then sealed.
    • The container is promptly transported or mailed to the designated laboratory address.
    • If the accused has a bloodborne disease (HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, etc.), the kit must be hand-delivered to DFS and indicated on the Request for Laboratory Examination (RFLE) form.
    • After the examination, the completed CoA, with the attached CBW, is mailed to the clerk of the court (a copy is mailed to the investigating officer if available).
    • DFS preserves the remainder of the blood sample for 120 days.
    • After 120 days, DFS destroys the sample unless a court order is received for further testing, or a request for evidence return is made by the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

    DUI/DUID Testing Protocol

    • The DFS Toxicology Section uses a protocol for testing blood samples in implied consent or search warrant cases using a DFS DUI/DUID Blood Specimen Collection Kit.
    • The DUI/DUID protocol incorporates an expanded immunoassay screening panel and is designed to identify alcohol and drugs that can impair driving using two levels of testing:

    BAC Determination: Blood Alcohol Content Determination

    • This level of testing is always performed.

    DUID Screening Panel (Immunoassay)

    • This panel includes:

      • Amphetamine
      • Barbiturates
      • Benzodiazepines
      • Buprenorphine
      • Cannabinoids
      • Carisoprodol/meprobamate
      • Cocaine/Benzoylecgonine
      • Dextromethorphan
      • Diphenhydramine
      • Fentanyl
      • Methadone
      • Methamphetamine/MDMA
      • Opiates
      • Oxycodone/oxymorphone
      • Phencyclidine (PCP)
      • Tramadol
      • Tricyclic antidepressants
      • Zolpidem

    • Additional testing may be conducted if specifically requested or at the discretion of a DFS toxicologist.

    Report Wording Examples

    • Scenario 1: Blood alcohol level was greater than 0.100%w/v, screened for cannabinoids, and no cannabinoids were detected.
    • Scenario 2: Blood alcohol level was less than 0.100%w/v and oxycodone was present and quantified.
    • Scenario 3: Blood alcohol level was less than 0.100%w/v and no drugs or drug classes screened positive.

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    Related Documents

    Virginia Department of Forensic Science Toxicology PDF

    Description

    Explore the critical role of the Toxicology Section at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science in analyzing biological samples for drugs, alcohol, and poisons. The section supports law enforcement by providing DUI/DUID Blood Specimen Collection Kits and performs vital testing in various investigations. Understand the importance of measurement results and the Uncertainty of Measurement (UoM) in forensic toxicology.

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