ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 6

Forensic Science Identification of Drugs of Abuse
McBay, AJ
Chief toxicologist (retired), Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and professor of pathology and pharmacy, University of North Carolina, NC

Mason, AP
Deputy chief toxicologist, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, NC

Abstract

The guidelines for forensic urine drug testing do not specify the gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) procedure to be used for confirmation. Full mass spectral documentation together with a positive immunoassay and supporting data should insure the most certain identification. Preparation of specimens which test proficiency adequately is difficult, particularly for marijuana testing. The use of a full-spectrum GC/MS method should make the results admissible under the Frye Standard and the Federal Rules of Evidence, whereas ion monitoring methods could be challenged effectively. Duplicate specimens should be available, one for employer and the other for the employee. Precision suffers when determining low substance concentrations.

Keywords:
toxicology, workshop, drug use testing, urine

Paper ID: JFS12789J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12789J
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