Search

A comprehensive screening method that is specific, accurate and customizable is necessary in any forensic toxicology laboratory. Most laboratories utilize some form of immunoassay testing as it is reliable and sensitive with minimal sample preparation and is relatively inexpensive to simultaneously screen for multiple classes of drugs with different chemical properties. However, accessibility to more specific technology and instrumentation such as mass spectrometry has increased and therefore using immunoassay as the screening method of choice may be revisited. A screening method for 42 drugs in postmortem blood was developed and validated following the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science guidelines for toxicology method validation. The method was developed using minimal sample preparation of postmortem blood consisting only of a protein precipitation. Only two internal standards were used, which greatly reduces the cost of implementing this method. Limit of detection, interference studies, processed sample stability and ion suppression/enhancement were examined. Additionally, over 100 case samples were analyzed by both the current enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing procedure and the proposed liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) screening method. The comparison determined that the LC–MS-MS method performed as well as or better than the ELISA in nearly all cases. The ability to add additional target drugs increases the laboratory's scope of analysis as well. This method is ideal for forensic laboratories wishing to improve screening while working within budget constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical presentation, autopsy findings and toxicology results in an acute fatality involving N-ethylpentylone, a new cathinone derivative, are described. Law enforcement transported a male who was agitated and exhibiting unusual behavior to a local hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, his body temperature was 105.5 degrees Fahrenheit and his blood pH was 6.7. Clinical laboratory analysis revealed elevated troponins, rhabdomyolysis, hypoglycemia, hepatic and renal injury, respiratory failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation. He was intubated and admitted to the intensive care unit, treated with cooling blankets, bicarbonate and intravenous fluids. Despite medical treatment, he went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead ~36 h after admission. Autopsy findings identified some abrasions on his arms and legs, a bloody nose and a mildly enlarged heart. Antemortem blood was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer which identified N-ethylpentylone. Based on clinical presentation, autopsy findings and toxicology results, the medical examiner concluded the cause of death was intoxication by N-ethylpentylone and the manner of death was accident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents case studies resulting from fatal intoxication of methylone. It mentions about a 19-year old female who was hospitalized after experiencing two successive seizures where she was declared dead. It also mentions about a 23-year old male who was brought to the hospital after getting combative and was declared dead after cardiac arrests in a time span of 24 hours and a 23-year old male who was admitted to the hospital after consumption of lysergide and was declared dead.

Comments on the utility of vitreous humor in investigations of heroin-related deaths. Drugs that are covered under this method of investigation; Chemical reactions undergone by heroin in human blood.

Presents a breakdown data of all driving under the influence of drugs specimens cases submitted in Virginia for the year 2001. Overview of the centralized statewide system for driving under the influence of drugs operated by Virginia Division of Forensic Science; Information of drugs included in this system.