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Forensic Toxicology

FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY

Forensic toxicology is the application of the scientific principles of toxicology and analytical chemistry to legal matters. RML provides analytical (testing) services, expert consultation, & testimony. We use GC/MS, HPLC/MS/MS, and other modern methods of analysis. we also offer infrared microscopy and electron microscopy for the identification of small particles. Particular drugs of interest for analysis include fentanyl, LSD, cocaine, heroin metabolite (6-MAM), methamphetamine, THC, opiates, PCP, cyclobenzaprine, and other psychoactive medications.

RML is certified, inspected, and/or licensed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the Healthcare Finance Administration (Federal laboratory program), and the FDA. We also participate in the College of American Pathologists proficiency testing programs for drugs in blood and urine and for blood alcohol.

Modern analytical testing instrumentation, including gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, can be used to prove or disprove the presence or absence of drugs and other toxins and the likely effects of those substances. However, if good technology is misapplied by unskilled workers, erroneous results may be obtained. Therefore, it is a major focus of RML to provide the highest quality testing and interpretation with the ability to examine the laboratory work and evaluations of others. Just because a laboratory has purchased a gas chromatograph - mass spectrometer, HPLC - tandem mass spectrometer or other modern instrumentation does not mean that the users have a clue as to the correct methods to obtain valid results. We maintain all electronic data.

Dr. Sulik, and Dr. Lantz have long experience in civil and criminal litigation as scientific experts. Because we have the most modern technology, and know how to use it optimally, we often are able to help clients who may be otherwise unable to obtain a just result. We work for both the prosecution and defense in criminal cases and both plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation. It is our conviction that "science is science" and is necessarily objective. RML is licensed and inspected by the US Department of Health and Human Services, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

If we may be of any assistance in the analysis of legitimate or illicit substances, such as methamphetamine, flunitrazepam ("Roofies"), cocaine, cotinine, LSD, alcohol, fentanyl, GHB, GBL, MDMA (ecstasy), SPICE (JWH-018), and marijuana, please contact us. We provide expert scientific assistance in cases involving driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs (DUI and DUID). For example, we are able to quantitate the THC in blood as an indicator of the degree of intoxication of a driver who had used marijuana. This is important, because it is the concentration of a drug in the blood, not in the urine, which is important in any determination of intoxication. There is a significant amount of bad forensic and laboratory work passed off as if it were science. This often includes exaggerated interpretation of urine cannabis metabolite (THC-COOH) concentrations.

CANNABIS:

A common misuse of cannabis metabolite (THC-COOH) analysis is in the interpretation of changing concentrations of that metabolite. After long term use of marijuana, the body fat contains a large amount of THC. It then slowly leaches out of the fat, into the blood, then into the liver, where it is converted to THC-COOH. The THC-COOH is then excreted into the urine. This results in decreasing THC-COOH concentrations in the urine. In a major study by the US Navy, it was found that it can take two months after the last marijuana use for the urine to become "negative" for THC-COOH. During the last two weeks or so, it is quite reasonable to expect that the urine will alternate between "positive" and negative." That is, that the concentration will be slightly above, then slightly below the cut-off value. This is due to normal metabolic effects, such as subject state of hydration and weight loss. It also is due to the definition of "positive" and "negative." If a urine sample is found to contain even 1ng/mL less than the cutoff level, it is termed to be "negative." If it is 1ng/mL greater than the cutoff level, it is termed "positive." Note that with modern instrumentation, such as HPLC/MS/MS, it is quite possible to detect less than 1ng/mL THC-COOH. Therefore, the time for detection after last use may be greater than that found in the Navy study, which used a much higher concentration for the cut-off level.

Another analysis that we offer is that for the active component in marijuana, THC, and its active metabolite, THC-OH. These are absent from urine more than 5-6 hours after the last use of marijuana. Therefore, their absence is proof of lack of recent effective use. We offer LC/MS/MS analysis of the three forensically important cannabinoids, THC, THC-OH, THC-COOH. Limits of detection for the three cannabinoids of forensic interest, THC, THC-OH, and THC-COOH are less than 500pg/mL.

Recently, we have found several cases of false positive results of 6-MAM, the heroin metabolite, in people who were taking prescription Suboxone (Buprenorphine and naloxone). The other laboratories confused naloxone and 6-MAM, presumably because they have the same molecular mass. This is an excellent example of why all test results must be confirmed.

We also provide analyses of hair for the presence of drugs. We use enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or radioimmunoassay (RIA) for screening tests, and HPLC/MS/MS and GC/MS or GC/MS/MS for confirmatory testing.

LESS-COMMON ANALYSES OFFERED BY ROCKY MOUNTAIN INSTRUMENTAL LABORATORIES:

  • THC in blood and urine (THC is the active compound, not the metabolite) by HPLC/MS/MS
  • THC-OH in blood and urine (THC-OH is an active metabolite) by HPLC/MS/MS (see above).
  • Flunitrazepam (FNP) and metabolites in blood and urine ("Roofies" Rohypnol) by HPLC/MS/MS. We have found that FNP metabolites are detectable for several days after the last dose, although it may not be possible to find the parent FNP molecule that long after the dose.
  • GHB and GBL in blood, urine, and food. (gamma-butryolactone and gamma-hydroxy butyric acid) The new drug of choice for some "ravers" is 1,4-butanediol, which also can be detected and identified by GC/MS.
  • Tryptamines comprise another class of drugs which are quite popular among those in the 16-28 year age range. They are, in essence, this generation's LSD. They cause hallucinations and memory loss.
  • Clonazepam and other benzodiazepines and their metabolites in blood and urine.
  • Ketamine in blood and urine ("Special K"). We have seen an increase in illicit use of K recently. It can be detected in both blood and urine. However, the detection time is somewhat limited, so the sample should be collected from the victim ASAP.
  • LSD in urine and blood (mass spectrometric confirmation). Our quantitative range is 20pg/ml to 5000pg/mL in blood and urine.
  • Fentanyl and analogs in urine and blood by HPLC/MS/MS. Detection limits are 20pg/mL or less.
  • Cotinine by HPLC/MS/MS in urine. Cotinine is a major metabolite of nicotine. This method is extremely sensitive, and is useful in the differentiation of passive from active inhalation of nicotine.
  • Chantix (Varenicline), the smoking cessation agent, can be identified and quantitated in body fluids and tissues.
  • HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) may be used by body-builders. It a controlled substance, and can be identified by LCMSMS.
Useful Links: Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) , NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) DUI-LAW, Kim Kruglik (CA Death Penalty attorney with a very good web site), TopgunDUI (DUI Information), DUICenter (Lawrence Taylor, atty.) The Lindesmith Center and links therein, Drug Recognition Recognition (DRE) organizations and links, The Voluntary Committee of Lawyers (VCL), DUI lawyers, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). Our home page has many more forensic sites of interest. The Association of Clinical Biochemists has a very useful site with a long list of information on many drugs (ACB). The Forensic Science Society has portions of their excellent publication online. The Scientific Working Group on Drugs also has useful information.

Other useful RML pages: Forensic Serology and Gunshot Residue Analysis, Fire Debris Analysis (drug residues at fire scenes), and the RML Home Page. Useful information on poisonous plants can be found at the Cornell University site. Also consider some of the other links in the chemistry section of our home page.

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Updated: 29 July 2010