Toxicology at Virginia Forensic Science Department

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.