Virginia Division of Forensic Science
Forensic Toxicology
Examiners in the Toxicology Section analyze body fluids and tissues for the presence and concentrations of alcohol, drugs, and other potential poisons. Support is provided to Medical Examiners to assist in the determination of the cause and manner of death, and to law enforcement agencies in the investigation of crimes where drug or alcohol use may be implicated.
Specifically, we work with:
- Medical Examiner Cases
The Toxicology Section aids the Medical Examiner by analyzing human fluids and tissues for alcohol, drugs and other potential poisons, e.g. carbon monoxide. The types of samples considered for analysis are typically blood, urine, vitreous humor, bile, stomach contents, liver, brain, kidney and lung. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis are performed. By identifying and measuring the concentrations of these various substances and their metabolites in the body, Toxicologists can advise the Medical Examiners and trial courts on the significance of the substance in causing or contributing to the death. This may range from cases such as fatal overdoses, to alcohol-related traffic deaths, to drug-related homicides. - Driving Under the Influence
The Richmond Toxicology Laboratory receives all of the blood samples taken by law enforcement agencies for determining alcohol and drug concentrations in DUI and DUID cases. After alcohol, the most frequently found substances are marijuana, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, cocaine, and barbiturates. 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 the other substances found is often necessary to establish impairment. - Police Cases
Law enforcement agencies also submit blood, urine or stomach contents from living suspects or victims of other crimes. Examples of these situations might be when a drug dealer swallows his supply to avoid discovery, or when a rape victim is drugged prior to the assault. - Alcoholic Beverage Control
In addition to some regulatory work for the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, legally, as well as illegally, manufactured beverages are analyzed. Results are reported to the department of ABC for the purposes of quality control and consumer satisfaction and to law enforcement agencies for use in criminal proceedings.