A field study was performed at two police agencies to evaluate the utility and accuracy of five on-site urine analysis drug-testing devices when used to test driving under the influence (DUI) arrestees. The devices evaluated were AccuSign, Rapid Drug Screen, TesTcup-5, TesTstik, and Triage. Standard workplace screening cut-off concentrations were used and samples were tested for marijuana, coca...

BACKGROUND We employed a cocaine intravenous self-administration model based on positive reinforcement of animals' instrumental reactions (i.e., lever pressing) rewarded by a dose of the drug. We also carried out simultaneous characterization of the pharmacokinetics of cocaine and its metabolites in rats during withdrawal; in this part of the experiments, we investigated the cocaine (2 mg/kg, i...

Benzoylecgonine (BEG) is the principal urinary metabolite of cocaine. For forensic drug testing, the presence of BEG in urine, suggested by a positive result for a screening immunoassay, must be confirmed by quantitative gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analysis, i.e., stable isotope dilution with a deuterium-labeled internal standard. GC/MS criteria for positivity also require ap...

Here we describe the first report of using low-cost cellular or web-based digital cameras to image and quantify standardized rapid immunoassay strips as a new point-of-care diagnostic and forensics tool with health applications. Quantitative ratiometric pixel density analysis (QRPDA) is an automated method requiring end-users to utilize inexpensive (∼ $1 USD/each) immunotest strips, a commonly ...

The presence of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in drinking waters might pose a serious threat to human health worldwide. Therefore, this study sought measure PhACs Danube-derived tap water from the Budapest metropolitan region (Hungary), and compare results those measured bank filtrate after which risk assessment (based on quotient [hRQ]) was conducted for detected PhACs. A total 108...

The present study aimed at determining the presence and removal rate achieved through main treatment stages of a full-scale wastewater reclamation plant for some classes Organic Micropollutants. Furthermore, human health risk due to reuse final effluent containing residual concentrations these pollutants non-potable applications was assessed. 8-months monitoring campaign on influent highlighted...

Vitreous fluid specimens are often used in the Montgomery County Coroner's Office as a second matrix confirmation for both cocaine and opiate analyses. In this manuscript, calibration curves constructed for both vitreous and blood were used to quantify vitreous specimens to evaluate if any matrix effects occur when measuring vitreous specimens using a calibration curve in blood. Cases that scre...