Washington, District of Columbia
United States of America

August 28 – September 3, 2004

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FBI Laboratory Symposium

2004 Joint SOFT & TIAFT Meeting:

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Workshop Options for the FBI Laboratory Symposium on Forensic Toxicology:

Session 1A:  Basic Principles of Forensic Toxicology - Part 1

Sunday, August 29th
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

This is part one of a three-part session designed as a detailed introduction to forensic toxicology for the newcomer, as well as a useful review for those preparing for forensic toxicology certification examinations.  The topics in this session will include the principles of drug action, an overview of forensic drug testing, and a review of different specimen preparation techniques.  You need not sign up for the other parts of this three-part session in order to take this workshop. 

Session 1B:  Statistics and Method Validation

Sunday, August 29th
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

This session will offer a basic review of statistical methods used by analytical and forensic toxicologists and provide guidance in the area of method validation.  The speakers will discuss the amount of validation required for routine and non-routine analyses and how to do these validations in the most efficient, yet meaningful manner.  Demonstrations of calculations will be provided.

Session 1C: The Toxicological Hazards of Clandestine Methamphetamine Synthesis

Sunday, August 29th
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

This workshop will offer an in-depth review of the toxicology of methamphetamine synthesized in clandestine methamphetamine laboratories (clanlabs) and the materials used in and generated in these processes.  Topics covered will include the organic synthetic procedures used for methamphetamine synthesis; hazards associated with the chemicals, solvents, and precursors utilized in the processes; hazards associated with the gases and other waste products generated; and biological and behavioral toxicity of methamphetamine and related by-products. 

Session 2A:  Basic Principles of Forensic Toxicology - Part 2

Sunday, August 29th
1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

This is part 2 of a 3-part session designed as a detailed introduction to forensic toxicology for the newcomer, as well as a useful review for those preparing for forensic toxicology certification examinations.  The topics in this session will include common analytical techniques used in forensic toxicology and reviews on the pharmacology and analysis of alcohol, carbon monoxide, cyanide, and marijuana.  You need not sign up for the other parts of this 3-part session in order to take this workshop. 

Session 2B:  New and Unique Technologies for Forensic Toxicology Laboratories

Sunday, August 29th
1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

As technology is continually advancing, it can be difficult to keep abreast of the latest technologies for forensic analyses.  This session will include a discussion of new and unique technologies that can be useful for toxicological analyses.  Sample preparation techniques (including SPME and online extractions) and analytical techniques (such as electrochemiluminescence immunoassays and time-of-flight mass spectrometry) will be covered with focus on applications specific to forensic toxicology.

Session 2C: Poisons and Poisoners - What a Toxicologist Needs to Know

Sunday, August 29th
1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The field of forensic toxicology was founded as a result of homicidal poisoning investigations. Today, forensic toxicology laboratories are so overwhelmed with drugs of abuse testing that their  knowledge and abilities to assist in poison investigations may not be what it should.  This workshop is designed to make it more difficult for poisoners to get away with their crimes by helping toxicologists develop a mindset to better understand poisoners.  Further it will provide a detailed discussion of some of the common and obscure poisons that have been historically used. 

Monday, August 30th
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

This is part 3 of a 3-part session designed as a detailed introduction to forensic toxicology for the newcomer, as well as a useful review for those preparing for forensic toxicology certification examinations.  The topics in this session will include reviews on the pharmacology and analysis of cocaine, opioids, sympathomimetic amines, hallucinogens, and CNS depressants.  You need not sign up for the other parts of this 3-part session in order to take this workshop.

Session 3B:  Advanced Mass Spectrometry Theory and Interpretation

Monday, August 30th
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

While mass spectrometry is considered the "gold standard" in forensic toxicology laboratories, few toxicologists fully understand how mass spectrometers work and even fewer actually interpret mass spectra.  This session will provide the attendees with training in mass spectral interpretation, as well as provide a detailed overview of the different types of ionization and mass spectrometers available to forensic toxicologists.  Further, discussions will focus on the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Session 3C:  Overview of the Forensic Sciences

Monday, August 30th
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The forensic sciences have become very popular in the entertainment industry.  While we may find ourselves engrossed in hit television shows like CSI, Forensic Files, or Medical Detectives, training in the many aspects of forensic science allows us to understand where reality separates from entertainment.  This session will provide basic training in a variety of forensic sciences that toxicologists may not encounter in their day-to-day case work.

Monday, August 30th
1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Traditionally we have viewed the threats of chemical terrorism to involve agents such as sarin, ricin, or mustard gas.  In recent years, there has been growing concern that many of the most likely threats of chemical terrorism involve so-called agents of opportunity.  Common industrial agents may pose a considerable threat as potential terrorist weapons.  While an understanding of the conventional chemical weapons remains critical, an appreciation of the many other potential toxic chemicals in our society is crucial if we are to optimally prepare and defend against possible chemical threats.  This session will provide an understanding of conventional chemical weapons, in addition to the many other agents that may be just as dangerous, yet more readily available.

Monday, August 30th
1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

With several accrediting bodies to choose from, deciding the type of accreditation to obtain for your forensic toxicology laboratory can be a difficult task.  This session provides an opportunity to learn about the accreditation process for those forensic toxicologists who are working towards accreditation for their laboratory.  A general discussion of  forensic toxicology laboratory guidelines will be included, as well as a detailed discussion of ABFT and ASCLD/LAB accreditation.  In addition, the experiences of a laboratory that has undergone both ABFT and ASCLD/LAB accreditation will be presented.

Session 4C: Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault

Monday, August 30th
1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

This workshop will discuss the crime of drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) and its impact on victims, law enforcement, toxicology laboratories, and society.  The session will begin with an overview of DFSA victims and perpetrators.  This will be followed by a discussion of the pharmacology of the drugs used to commit DFSA to allow the attendee to better understand why these drugs are used.  The workshop will conclude with suggestions on overcoming the challenges of DFSA and suggestions on managing DFSA cases.