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Toxicology

The Toxicology section examines blood samples submitted by Cumberland County law enforcement agencies for the presence or absence of ethyl alcohol and drugs of abuse. The analysts use a variety of analytical instruments including gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

Blood Alcohol Analysis (BAC)

Quantification of ethyl alcohol in blood is performed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) coupled with headspace analysis (HSA). 

GC-FID coupled with HSA

Gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) coupled with headspace analysis is a commonly used instrument used to analyze ethyl alcohol in blood. The GC-FID provides the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in blood samples for mainly DUI cases.

Blood Drug Analysis 

Screening for the absence or presence of drugs of abuse in blood is performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Quantification of drugs of abuse is performed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS).

LC-MS/MS, Thermo ScientificTSQ Quantis Plus Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer

Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry is an instrument used to quantify drugs of abuse in blood. The liquid chromatography (LC) separates compounds within the blood sample. After separation, the sample enters the tandem mass spectrometer (MS/MS), where the structural identification of a compound is confirmed and the specific drug is quantified.

The video below displays the interior of the Vanquish autosampler where samples are loaded onto the LC-MS/MS instrument for drug quantification and confirmation analysis.

TRACE 1310 GC 1


GC-FID w/ Headspace Analysis, Thermo Scientific

Gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection (FID) is a commonly used technique in blood alcohol analysis. Using headspace analysis, the GC-FID provides the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of whole blood samples in DUI cases.  

DSX Automated ELISA ProcessorDSX, Dynex

The DSX is a fully automated processing system that uses enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to screen for the presence or absence of drugs of abuse in biological samples collected from mainly DUI enforcement. If a drug is presumptively detected, analysts will proceed with quantification testing. 

The video below displays the Dynex DSX instrument used in the drug screen analysis. 

ISQ 7000 Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer and TRACE 1310 Gas Chromatography System

GC/MS, Thermo Scientific

Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy is an instrument used to quantify drugs of abuse in blood. The gas chromatograph (GC) separates the compounds in the blood before entering the mass spectrometer, where the structural identification of a compound is confirmed and the specific drug is quantified.



Drug Extraction Process

A portion of the drug extraction procedure is shown in the video, where a blood sample undergoes processing by adding a solvent dropwise while vortexing prior to being placed on the instrument.

For time-saving reasons, this video has been accelerated.

Blood Alcohol Specimen Collection KitToxicology Blood Kit

This specimen blood kit is used for the collection and storage of whole blood drawn from an individual believed to be impaired and under the influence of alcohol and/or drug(s). This kit contains two 10 ml vacuum tubes containing 100 mg of sodium fluoride and 20 mg of potassium oxalate, instructions for use, and all necessary forms, seals, and certificates to establish chain-of-possession.

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