Forensic Toxicology
The field of forensic toxicology involves three main sub-disciplines: postmortem forensic toxicology, human performance toxicology, and forensic drug testing. All these sub-disciplines measure substances in biological matrices for a given purpose.
Introtech specializes in human performance toxicology. The forensic toxicologist investigates the effects of drugs and alcohol on human performance and behavior, and the legal consequences of drug use. Examples of human performance investigations include impaired driving, vehicular assault and homicide, and drug-facilitated crimes.
Drugs such as marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, opioids, benzodiazepines, designer drugs and alcohol are associated with increased accident risk, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Forensic Toxicology Assessment
During an analysis, not only are the testing results considered, but factors that can alter the disposition of a drug in the human body, such as:
- Inter-individual age
- Weight and genetics
- The type of drug
- The drug administration route (oral, nasal, inhalation, etc.)
- Drug tolerance
- The quantity and time of the administered dose
Unique factors such as legal prescription drug side effects, drug-drug interactions and drug interactions with common drinks (i.e. grapefruit juice), for which there are currently no laws, are also reviewed. Finally, a thorough review of current peer research is analyzed based on the unique facts of the case.
Forensic Toxicologist Expert
Introtech forensic toxicologist, Daniel Lipian has a Master’s Degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.S.) and has conducted research on vehicular crash risk and neurophysiological impairment caused by drugs of abuse and alcohol.
Mr. Lipian is also well versed in various states’ drug and alcohol impairment laws, many of which differ from one another. A part of Introtech’s process includes consultation with former law enforcement members that are on Introtech’s staff regarding the results of standard field sobriety tests (SFST’s).
Introtech has experts in the analysis of the following drugs:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opioids (including heroin)
- Benzodiazepines
- Psychedelic Agents
- Prescription Drugs