Toxicology Section
The Toxicology Section performs examinations of biological fluids to detect and quantitate drugs and alcohol in law enforcement cases. The Toxicology Section does not perform testing for "cause of death" investigations.
TOXICOLOGY EVIDENCE/SPECIMEN SUBMISSION:
The Forensic Science Division (FSD) provides kits for the collection and submission of specimens for toxicological analyses. These kits contain all the materials and seals necessary for proper collection and submission. There are detailed instructions in each kit. There are separate kits for blood and urine. These kits are in full compliance with all requirements of the US Postal Service and express carriers for the shipment of biological specimens. The kits may be mailed in appropriate packaging, sent by courier, or hand delivered to the FSD. There is a clearly marked drop box located in the Washoe County Sheriff's Office breath room. Kits may be placed in this drop box or in an evidence locker. It is not necessary to complete any additional submission forms when a toxicology kit is used.
Effective July 1, 2021, control numbers (“T numbers”) will no longer be utilized for sample identification or reporting. For any forensic toxicology submissions to WCSO-FSD we will require the following be legibly printed on the outside of the box:
- Subject
- Agency, Case No., Item No.
- County of Incident, Officer
- Collection Date and Time
- Testing Requested (Alcohol and/or Drugs)
It is recommended that three consecutive blood draws be performed in felony cases or when the sample is drawn more than two hours after the incident. Ideally, these are made 30 minutes apart. Use a separate kit for each collection. Alcohol testing will be performed on all three sample collections. Drug testing, when requested, will be performed on the first sample that was collected. Drug testing on the subsequent collections is of limited value and will not be performed.
EVIDENCE RETENTION POLICY:
Toxicology samples will be retained for a minimum of 13 months before being destroyed. If it is necessary for a sample to be retained beyond this period, a written request must be submitted.
Effective July 1, 2021, all specimens submitted to the Toxicology Section for drug testing will undergo drug analysis regardless of type of case and/or blood alcohol level (if analyzed). This is a departure from a previous policy in which drugs were tested only if the blood alcohol level was below a 0.090 g/100mL in misdemeanor cases requesting both types of analysis. Under the new policy, specimens submitted to the Toxicology Section for drug testing will automatically undergo drug screening, irrespective of alcohol level or offense, for the following drugs or drug classes:
- Amphetamine
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiates
- Barbiturates
- Carisoprodol
- Methadone
- Oxycodone
- Zolpidem
ALCOHOL TESTING:
The Toxicology Section performs tests on blood and urine specimens for the presence of alcohol. Whole blood is the preferred specimen for alcohol (ethanol) analysis. NRS 484.3833 states that blood cannot be taken if the suspect is a hemophiliac or is taking anticoagulants at the direction of a physician. If blood cannot be taken and a breath test is not an option, urine may be used for alcohol testing. If urine must be collected, it is recommended that the officer have the subject void, wait thirty minutes, and collect a second specimen. Submit the second sample to the laboratory for analysis. The second urine specimen can be more accurately correlated to a blood specimen.
The following volatile compounds are detected in the alcohol assay:
- Ethanol (alcohol in alcoholic beverages)
- Methanol
- Isopropanol (rubbing alcohol)
- Acetone
Method: Headspace Gas Chromatography with flame ionization detection
DRUG TESTING CAPABILITIES:
The Toxicology Section performs tests on blood and urine specimens for the presence of the drugs. To prove impairment, a blood specimen is preferred.
The toxicology section has the capability to test for the following drugs:
- 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta 9 THC (marijuana metabolite)
- delta-9-THC (active component of marijuana)
- 11-OH THC (marijuana metabolite)
- 3,4 methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA)
- 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or Ecstasy)
- 6-acetylmorphine (heroin metabolite)
- 7-aminoclonazepam (clonazepam metabolite)
- alphahydroxyalprazolam
- alprazolam
- amphetamine
- benzoylecgonine (cocaine metabolite)
- clonazepam
- cocaine
- codeine
- diazepam
- fentanyl
- hydrocodone
- hydromorphone
- lorazepam
- methamphetamine
- midazolam
- morphine
- nordiazepam
- oxazepam
- oxymorphone
- temazepam
OUTSIDE LABORATORY TESTING (Including DFSA Testing):
Additional testing beyond the services offered by the Forensic Science Division can be forwarded to National Medical Services (NMS) Labs - Willow Grove, PA. for analysis and expert witness testimony. Additional fees may apply. Alternately, the sample can be returned to the submitting agency for submission to a laboratory of their choice. Please contact the laboratory at wcso-fsd@washoecounty.us or at (775)-328-2800 if additional testing is required.