The Toxicology Unit analyzes blood, urine, and other body fluids. Toxicology supports local, state, and federal agencies by analyzing evidence in various cases.
These cases may include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA)
The unit also works with hospitals and the CT Poison Control Center. These cases usually involve analyzing samples from people who died in car accidents, homicides, or traumatic suicides. Facilities may submit blood, vitreous humor, and urine samples for post-mortem analysis. The Toxicology Unit looks for ethanol and other chemicals in the submitted samples.
The unit uses gas chromatography and mass spectrometry for analyses. These methods use extensive chemical libraries to identify drugs and other chemicals. Toxicologists can use three powerful techniques:
- Headspace gas chromatography
- Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
- Accurate mass determination
Toxicology also provides conversions of ethanol data for law enforcement. This is for cases where only hospital records indicate ethanol in suspected DUI drivers.
Breath-Alcohol Sub-Unit
The Breath-Alcohol sub-unit trains and certifies people to become instructors and operators of breath-alcohol testing devices. They ensure statewide quality and operational standards for law enforcement agencies conducting breath-alcohol tests.
This sub-unit also evaluates and certifies the breath-alcohol testing instruments used across the state. They keep records of these certifications. Examiners may need to provide instructor certificates or maintenance records during legal processes. These legal processes include discovery or Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
The analysts sometimes assist the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) at illegal drug labs. Analysts provide technical and safety support during these field responses. They also help investigators with evidence collection and packaging.