Toxicology

The primary duty of the Toxicology Units is to analyze blood and urine for the presence of impairing compounds in the investigation of driving under the influence charges.  Blood samples are tested using headspace gas chromatography for alcohol content to determine whether the ethanol level exceeds legal limits.  Both blood and urine are analyzed for the presence of performance impairing illegal and prescription drugs.  Initially, samples are screened using an antigen antibody test to determine what class of compounds may be present.  To conclusively identify a specific drug a variety of extraction techniques and instrumentation including gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMSD) are utilized.

Another facet of the Toxicology Units involves the testing of bodily fluids in drug facilitated sexual assault cases. These cases involve the drugging of unsuspecting victims and subsequent sexual attack. The detection of trace amounts of impairing compounds including benzodiazepines or gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB) in blood, urine, or vomit can aid law enforcement in the investigation of these cases.
 
The Toxicology Units also analyze poison cases.  Suspect liquids and solid materials are tested for such compounds as arsenic, strychnine, cyanide and illegal and prescription drugs.  Color reactive chemical tests and instrumentation aid in the identification of these substances.