Toxicology

Forensic Toxicology involves the detection and confirmation of drugs and poisons in biological samples, as well as the interpretation of the effects of these substances as applicable to the law. The majority of cases submitted for toxicological analysis are driving-under-the-influence cases (alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both), although toxicology results regularly play a role in the prosecution of drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) and drug possession cases.

As of April 1st, 2013, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Crime Laboratory is accepting evidence for blood alcohol concentration determination. Headspace Gas Chromatography will be utilized for this purpose. 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.

In the near future, toxicological services will be expanded to offer blood and urine drug screens inclusive of prescription, over-the-counter, and illicit drugs. In the meantime, the Crime Lab will serve as a facilitator for drug testing, allowing our customers the convenience of submitting all samples for toxicological analysis to our laboratory.

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