A Toxicology Laboratory is one that tests drugs and toxins for their effects on the human body. The personnel in the lab are all licensed by the Ohio Department of Health’s Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Testing. The Toxicology Laboratory is accredited by the American Society of Crime Lab Directors and the Laboratory Accreditation Board. Its staff has contributed to the field of toxicology by presenting original research at conferences and publishing articles in Journal of Analytical Toxicology.
Tests
There are several types of Toxicology Lab tests. These include: “Screen Only” tests, which use immunoassay testing for the drug class, “Confirm Only” tests, which quantify individual drugs in a given class. Screening-only tests are useful for targeted testing, while “Confirm Only” tests are more accurate for determining the presence of multiple drugs in a single specimen. Panel tests, on the other hand, are best suited for the general population, and include Specimen Validity testing and immunoassay screening.
Staff
The staff of the Toxicology Lab consists of authorized personnel, including a 1.0 FTE Assistant Forensic Toxicologist II, three 3.0 FTE Assistant Forensic Toxiciologists I, and 0.5 FTE Forensic Laboratory Manager. The entire staff of the Toxicology Lab is responsible for the testing and analysis of samples from crime scenes and biomedical cases. The Toxicology Lab also maintains a record of continuing education activities, such as participation in scientific meetings and coursework in relevant subject areas.
Procedures
Toxicology laboratories are required to be accredited and regularly inspected, as well as follow several procedures and policies. Testing is usually performed on blood, urine, tissue, and organ samples, and the procedures follow scientific standards. For example, blood is the most representative specimen because it reflects an individual’s overall clinical condition. Other tissue and organ samples are collected for analysis. Likewise, the lab uses gas chromatography and immunoassays.
Limits of detection
The concepts of Limits of Detection (LOD) and its calculation methods are common in many fields of science. While the definitions of LOD and LD are fairly straightforward, the approach to determining these values is more complex and depends on several factors. This can lead to false positive and negative results, and can make the entire process a bit more complicated. However, it is important to understand how to define these terms and how they are used in your laboratory.
Limits of quantitation
When performing an analytical procedure, it is important to understand the limits of quantitation. Limits of detection and quantitation are both defined by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The LoD is the highest concentration of analyte that the instrument can detect. The LoQ is the lowest concentration in which a sample will produce a signal greater than three times the standard deviation of the blank. Depending on the sample concentration, the LoQ and LoD can be the same.
Projects funded by Toxicology Lab
Toxicology is a critical science for the health of humans, ecosystems, and natural resources. Funding for Toxicology Lab funds projects that enhance the curriculum and improve laboratory facilities. The project also seeks to better prepare underrepresented minority students to enter STEM fields. It also supports students’ travel to national meetings and research activities. This funding enables students to complete research internships in toxicology at a regional or national level.