Drug identification in biologicals on clothing, bedding, and other materials

Toxicology testing is an integral component of postmortem, drug-facilitated crime, and driving under the influence investigations. Recommendations pertaining to traditional matrices, sample amounts, and collection container types are well documented in the literature and guidance documents. However, not all cases have traditional toxicological specimens available (e.g. blood with a fluoride additive), and thus require nontraditional toxicology test options. In these cases, a forensic laboratory is contacted to determine if nontraditional objects, such as clothing, bedding, automotive, personal hygiene, or household items, stained with biological material, are suitable for analysis. Comprehensive method validation, as required for routine toxicology tests, is not practical to complete for these items, but this should not deter the toxicology laboratory from taking on this work. Herein, we describe a developed and implemented process for qualitative analysis of biological fluids on/in objects, which ensures the robustness and reliability of reported results. The specific procedures used, which include sample preparation, the incorporation of specialized quality control samples made from the items themselves, analytical acceptance criteria, and reporting considerations are thoroughly detailed. Positive findings from cases were obtained for a variety of drugs, encompassing illicit, prescription, novel psychoactive substances, and over-the-counter medications. Some examples include identification of zolpidem from vomit on clothing; cocaine, cocaine metabolites, levamisole, codeine, acetaminophen, and caffeine in stains on bedding; and diphenhydramine, doxylamine, and dextromethorphan in stains on a mattress pad cover. This methodology is fit-for-purpose and suitable for the toxicological investigation of these unique specimens without any significant limitations. This testing process may be used to identify past drug exposure, associate drug exposure to a particular location or scene, and/or provide insight into an event when a missing person has not been found.