Toxicology

The Forensic Toxicology section uses validated scientific methods and highly sensitive instrumentation to assist in the detection and identification of a broad scope of drugs and chemicals in biological samples. The majority of samples submitted for toxicological analysis are from individuals suspected of impaired driving.  The section also analyzes biological samples from Drug-Facilitated Crime (DFC) cases as well as other criminal cases where the presence of a drug may be probative. Examiners provide testimony in court regarding the analytical results and the impact these findings may have on human performance and behavior. 

The Toxicology Section currently offers the following examinations:

• Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) determination
• Urine Drug analysis

BAC determination is performed using Headspace Gas Chromatography (HS-GC).  This methodology ensures the separation of ethanol from other volatile compounds while providing the sensitivity and precision to quantify ethanol at concentrations as low as 0.01 g/dL.  

Urine samples submitted to the Toxicology section for drug testing are first subjected to a screening process known as Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).  This technique is presumptive and is used to guide additional steps in the testing process.  A variety of drugs and/or drug classes are included in this screening method.

Following ELISA, all samples undergo additional confirmatory testing to identify the presence of illicit, Over-the-Counter, and prescription drugs.  Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) is utilized for this purpose.

Validation of test methods and instruments is ongoing.  In the near future, toxicological services will be further expanded to include the analysis of drugs in blood.  Another analytical technique, Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), will be employed in the section, affording the ability to detect and identify additional drug compounds with greater sensitivity.

To meet the needs of our customers, the laboratory will continue to serve as a facilitator for evidence transfer to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Forensic Laboratory.  When requested testing is not yet available in-house, we will facilitate the transfer of evidence on behalf of the agency to and from the KBI.  The KBI Toxicology report will be provided directly to the original submitter of the evidence.  This allows our customers the convenience of submitting all samples for toxicological analysis to our laboratory.