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" or "drug-facilitated sexual assault" 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. Each kit includes detailed instructions. Blood kits contain the blood collection tubes recommended for blood alcohol and drug testing. These tubes contain both an anticoagulant and a preservative needed to maintain the sample as whole blood. 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 an evidence locker. It is not necessary to complete any additional submission forms when a toxicology kit is used.
For any forensic toxicology submissions to WCSO-FSD, we will require the following to 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.
Testing Protocols:
When a specimen is submitted for alcohol and drug testing and the alcohol result is greater than 0.100 g/100mL blood, a screen for drugs will be performed, and the drug testing will be stopped. If confirmation testing is needed for court or investigative purposes, then confirmation testing will be performed on the specimen. This must be communicated by the prosecutor handling the case or the submitting agency.
Specimens submitted for drug testing only (no alcohol testing) will be screened, and a confirmation test will be performed when positive screen results are obtained.
The following is a list of drugs the Toxicology Section can screen and confirm. (Note: Synonyms for the analysts identified are listed as a sub-bullet.):
- 11-Hydroxy-Delta-9 THC
- Marijuana (Active Metabolite)
- 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC
- Marijuana (Inactive Metabolite)
- 6-acetylmorphine
- Heroin Metabolite
- 7-aminoclonazepam
- Clonazepam Metabolite
- Alprazolam
- Xanax (Brand Name)
- Amphetamine
- Benzoylecgonine
- Cocaine Metabolite
- Buprenorphine
- Suboxone (Brand Name)
- Carisoprodol
- Soma (Brand Name)
- Clonazepam
- Klonopin (Brand Name)
- Cocaethylene
- Cocaine and Ethanol By-Product
- Cocaine
- Codeine
- Delta-9-THC
- Marijuana (Active Ingredient)
- Diazepam
- Valium (Brand Name)
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Vicodin (Brand Name)
- Lorazepam
- Ativan (Brand Name)
- MDA
- MDMA
- Ecstasy
- Meprobamate
- Carisoprodol Metabolite
- Methadone
- Dolophine (Brand Name)
- Methamphetamine
- Midazolam
- Versed (Brand Name)
- Morphine
- Norbuprenorphine
- Buprenorphine Metabolite
- Nordiazepam
- Calmday (Brand Name)
- Diazepam Metabolite
- O-desmethyl-tramadol
- Tramadol Metabolite
- Oxazepam
- Serax (Brand Name)
- Diazepam Metabolite
- Oxycodone
- OxyContin (Brand Name)
- Temazepam
- Restoril (Brand Name)
- Diazepam Metabolite
- Tramadol
- Ultram (Brand Name)
- Zolpidem
- Ambien (Brand Name)
Drug Testing Capabilities:
The Toxicology Section performs tests on blood specimens for the presence of drugs.
Methods:
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry, Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry
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. If a blood or breath test cannot be performed, urine may be used for alcohol testing (see NRS 484.160). 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 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
Evidence Retention Policy:
Washoe County Sheriff's Office Toxicology samples will be retained for a minimum of 13 months before being destroyed. If a specimen must be retained beyond this period, a written request must be submitted.
Toxicology samples will be returned to all other agencies after the completion of testing.
Outside Laboratory Testing:
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.