Development of an Analytical Approach to the Specimens Collected from Victims of Sexual Assault

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop a screening process for the analysis of sexual assault samples. Recently, the Society of Forensic Toxicologists created a committee to address the issue of drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) in the toxicology field. This committee prepared a list of drugs that could be, or have been, used in DFSAs. The list comprises about 50 compounds, including illicit, prescription, and over-the-counter drugs. Using this list, our laboratory wanted an easy, fast, and sensitive method to analyze a urine sample for all 50 of these drugs. We screened and confirmed for 20 compounds, including cocaine, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, opiates, methadone, alcohol, and PCP. A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric screening method that was able to detect the remaining 30 compounds following 1 extraction and using only 2 mL of urine was developed. The process is inexpensive and uses equipment available in most forensic toxicology laboratories. This method is recommended for any laboratory that commonly receives specimens collected from sexual assault victims and is interested in a more thorough analysis.

Development of a Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Method for the Detection of Benzodiazepines in Urine

“…The screening process is further complicated due to the metabolism process as described previously, which gives rise to multiple metabolites. 13,14,15,9,12,16,17,18,19 …”

“…While Rohypnol ® (flunitrazepam) and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) are frequently mentioned in the media, a wide variety of compounds are used in the commission of such crimes. 9,10,11,12 Criminals in these cases chose a drug that creates the desired physiological effects on a victim such as confusion, drowsiness, impaired judgment and memory, and loss of consciousness, among others.…”

“…They provide rapid screening at a low cost and are relatively accurate. 5 There are a number of types of tests which can be utilized such as enzymatic immunoassay 15 , enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique 15,9,18,20 , kinetic interaction of microparticle in solution 20,19 , and radioimmunoassay. 19 Each of these tests involve different enzymes and chemical reactions but all follow the same basic process.…”

“…In order to remove the drug from the conjugate, enzyme hydrolysis with glucuronidase, often a one to two hour process, is recommended. 10,9,12,17 Hydrolysis steps are often integrated into the kits that are sold for toxicological screening. 18 In general, enzymatic hydrolysis is also recommended due to problems with an alternative procedure, acid hydrolysis, which can promote the conversion of certain benzodiazepines and metabolites into their corresponding benzophenone.…”

“…As reported by the International Narcotic Control Board, benzodiazepines rank amongst the most widely and frequently prescribed medications in the world 4 , making them readily available for use in DFSA. [9][10][11][12] Therefore, the ability to detect these compounds is critical to toxicologists today in order to determine the type of drug used in the cases of DFSA.…”