What is Forensic Toxicology?

Forensic Toxicology is the study and application of toxicology to the law.  Forensic toxicologists conduct their work in the interests of truth (accuracy), justice (impartiality), and the public good.  Each toxicologist knows that a toxicology report may ultimately be introduced as evidence in a court of law and that s/he may be asked to interpret and substantiate any opinions s/he may have formed based on the results. For this reason, it is essential that the forensic toxicologist be thoroughly familiar with legal practices and be professionally comfortable in a judicial setting.

What do you do?

The staff of the Bureau of Forensic Toxicology Laboratory analyze body fluids and tissues to determine the presence of alcohol, drugs, and other substances.  Toxicology results are used to:
 

• assist the Office of the Medical Examiner in determining cause and manner of death (per Utah Code Section 26-4-7).  The samples submitted for analysis include but are not limited to: blood, urine, vitreous humor, bile, liver, gastric contents, blister fluid, brain, kidney, etc.  Both qualitative and quantitative analysis are performed.  By identifying and measuring the concentrations of these various substances and their metabolites in the body, the medical examiner determines the role, if any, of the substance in causing or contributing to death. Medical examiner cases may involve fatal overdoses, alcohol-related traffic deaths, drug-related homicides, etc.

• provide information in cases involving driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drugs (per Utah Code Section 41-6a-502), automobile homicides (per Utah Code Section 76-5-207), and other crimes.  After alcohol, the most frequently found substances are marijuana, methamphetamine, and a variety of prescription drugs.  While statutory DUI limits exist for alcohol in blood, none are set for other substances. Consequently, expert toxicological testimony in court on the effects of other substances found is often necessary to establish impairment.  Law enforcement agencies submit blood and/or urine from living suspects or victims of other crimes.