Whole blood quality assurance control samples for forensic toxicology.
Pilot studies were undertaken to examine the feasibility of preparing freeze-dried whole blood samples containing drugs of interest to be used as assay controls. The availability of such samples will enable analysts and laboratory managers to monitor analytical performance. A pilot batch of freeze-dried blood containing five compounds of forensic significance and a blank blood sample were prepared for reconstitution to 2.5-mL aliquots. Samples of each of these preparations were distributed to 55 laboratories in the USA and UK for analysis. A summary of the results is presented along with comments on the feasibility of producing freeze-dried whole blood samples for use in forensic toxicology.
Osselton
M D
MD
Central Research and Support Establishment, Home Office Forensic Science Service, Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom.
Japp
M
M
Weston
S I
SI
Mather
E A
EA
Spiehler
V
V
Barlow
R
R
Moore
A
A
D000818:Animals; D003975:Diazepam / Q000097:blood; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D005612:Freeze Drying; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D008691:Methadone / Q000097:blood; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000097:blood; D009020:Morphine / Q000097:blood; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000032:analysis*; D011786:Quality Control; D013048:Specimen Handling; D014116:Toxicology
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D008694:Methamphetamine; D009020:Morphine; D003975:Diazepam; D008691:Methadone