SOFT 2024 workshops are offered on Monday, October 28 and Tuesday, October 29 from 8:00 am - 5:30 pm. The program will focus on half day workshops with some offered in two parts (parts I &II).  

Workshop Rates

• Early Bird Registration, June 26 - September 11
  • SOFT Member Rate: $150
  • Non-member Rate: $200
• Late Registration, Begins September 12
  • SOFT Member Rate: $175
  • Non-member Rate: $225
• Onsite Registration, Begins October 10
  • SOFT Member Rate: $200
  • Non-member Rate: $250

Monday, October 28, 8:00 AM -12:00 PM

• Workshop 1: Psychedelics: Promising Treatment Applications and Concerns for Impaired Driving
• Workshop 2: More Likely Than Not: Navigating Civil Cases in Forensic Toxicology 
• Workshop 3: Forensic Aspects of Doping
• Workshop 4: Chasing Impairment – Advancement in Technologies or a Paradigm Shift? – You be the Judge!

Monday, October 28, 1:30-5:30 pm

• Workshop 5: ASB Standards: Overview, Implementation, and Updates
• Workshop 6: Breath Alcohol Testing Program Operation and Management
• Workshop 7: Are We Entering the Post-fentanyl era – Or Have We Already Entered It?

Tuesday, October 29, 8:00 AM -12:00 PM

• Workshop 8: Laboratory Development: where to start and how to continually improve
• Workshop 9: Recent Research on the Semi-synthetic Cannabinoids Δ8-THC, THCO, and HHC
• Workshop 10: Presenting Oral Fluid Drug Testing Results in Court
• Workshop 11: The ABCs of ABFT Certification – Part I: General Information

Tuesday, October 29, 1:30 - 5:30 PM 

• Workshop 12: The ABCs of ABFT Certification – Part II: Study Topics in Forensic Toxicology
• Workshop 13: How Am I Suppose To Analyze That?!  A Master Class in Sample Preparation
• Workshop 14: Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS): Streamlining Forensic Toxicology Workflows
• Workshop 15: Come as You are: Building a Diverse and Accessible Organization

workshop program abstracts

Workshop 1: Psychedelics: Promising Treatment Applications and Concerns for Impaired Driving

• Date/Time: Monday, October 28, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Chairs: Kristin Kahl & Michael Wagner
• Audience: Basic 
• Abstract: The SOFT/AAFS Drugs and Driving Committee presents a workshop examining the use of psychedelic drugs to treat psychiatric disorders and the impact these drugs have on driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) casework. States are now using the “right-to-try” 1 to expand the use of entheogenic plants including psilocybin mushrooms, ibogaine, dimethyltryptamine (also known as “DMT”), ayahuasca, peyote (mescaline), and hallucinogens like MDMA and LSD. Psychedelic drugs listed above and the dissociative anesthetic ketamine (including esketamine (Spravato)), are being investigated or currently used in the treatment of mental health illnesses such as, major depressive disorders, post-traumatic stress (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and possibly substance use disorder (SUD). The increase over the past decade in research and private clinical use of these psychedelic/hallucinogenic drugs has the potential to result in an increase prevalence of recreational use and detection in DUID cases.  This workshop will discuss the history of and current use of psychedelics to treat psychiatric disorders and their pharmacological properties that contribute to their clinical effectiveness. The workshop will focus on the following drugs: Psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, and Ketamine/Esketamine. The detection and significance of these drugs in DUID casework will also be discussed. The attendees will be provided with current DUID trends and DUID examples that include psychedelic drugs. 1. Psychedelics Drug Legislative Reform and Legalization in the US; JAMA Psychiatry. 2023 January 01; 80(1): 77–83; Siegel, J.S. et.al

Workshop 2: More Likely Than Not: Navigating Civil Cases in Forensic Toxicology

• Date/Time: Monday, October 28, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Chairs: Madeleine Swortwood & Curt Harper
• Audience: Basic 
• Abstract: This workshop is designed to equip forensic toxicologists with skills and knowledge for navigating civil casework. Participants will be introduced to a range of civil casework types, such as wrongful death/injury, workplace incidents, DRAM shop cases, and toxic exposures, providing practical insights through case studies. Attendees will also learn the art of drafting clear and persuasive reports, affidavits, and expert disclosures, essential for legal proceedings. The workshop will cover deposition preparation, including case material review, communication strategies, and ethical considerations. Additionally, the workshop will offer guidance on serving as an expert witness, highlighting the best practices and pitfalls of civil testimony to ensure confident and effective communication in the courtroom.

Workshop 3: Forensic Aspects of Doping

• Date/Time: Monday, October 28, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Chairs: Pascal Kintz & Anne-Laure Pélissier
• Audience: Intermediate 
• Abstract: This workshop will focus on the forensic and medical-legal aspects of doping by presenting specificity of the anti-doping world and intriguing cases encountered by toxicology experts. It is tailored to the interests of scientists involved in routine forensic investigations, as some of the World Anti-Doping Agency controlled drugs can be observed in the following situations: counterfeit drugs, contaminated supplements, use of cannabis or NPS for doping purposes, aggressive behaviour due to stimulants, modified libido due to anabolic steroids, cardiac failure associated to clenbuterol, serious diseases due to long-term abuse of diuretics or corticosteroids, etc. Numerous practical applications and case reports will be presented by scientists actively engaged in the field. 

Workshop 4: Chasing Impairment – Advancement in Technologies or a Paradigm Shift? – You be the Judge!

• Date/Time: Monday, October 28, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Chairs: Suman Rana & Jasmine Maxwell
• Audience: Intermediate
• Abstract: The legalization of cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes across various geographies presents new challenges for forensic and safety professionals, particularly concerning the assessment of impairment. The prolonged presence of cannabinoids in biological samples that is greatly affected by the frequency and chronicity of cannabis use contrasts with the duration of cannabis impairment, necessitating novel methodologies to predict impairment at the time of an incident or use during work hours in safety sensitive workplaces. In the drug testing industry, current efforts are directed towards techniques capable of discerning recent use, with a particular focus on breath-based testing to minimize detection windows, thereby preventing off-work hours' use from unjust implications. Simultaneously, advancements in technology now enable the evaluation of cognitive impairment, irrespective of the cause, through monitoring neurophysiological indicators such as reaction time, hand-eye coordination, decision-making latency, divided attention tasks and balance, all currently utilized in field sobriety tests.  This workshop aims to explore these latest advancements in the field of drug and impairment testing, offering attendees insights into innovative approaches for assessing drug use and impairment. Topics of discussion will include cutting-edge techniques for detecting recent cannabis use via the development and implementation of breath-based testing protocols, and the utilization of neurophysiological indicators via an app based computerized system to gauge cognitive impairment effectively. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge about the practical applications of these advancements in diverse contexts, including workplace safety, law enforcement, and public health initiatives, as well as learn about their limitations.

Workshop 5: ASB Standards: Overview, Implementation, and Updates

• Date/Time: Monday, October 28, 1:30 - 5:30 PM
• Chairs: Robert Johnson & Kei Osawa
• Audience: Basic 
• Abstract: The American Academy of Forensic Sciences Academy Standards Board (ASB) is an accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO).  The ASB has been accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) since 2015, which allows the organization to publish American National Standards. The mission of the ASB is to provide science-based consensus forensic standards to all disciplines of the forensic sciences. The Forensic Toxicology subcommittee of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) utilizes the ASB as its SDO. The subcommittee is tasked with drafting proposed documents, either standards or best practices, and submitting them to the ASB for eventual publication as a consensus-based American National Standard. This workshop will give an overview of this process, to include drafting, obtaining consensus within the field, and eventual publication of standards and best practice documents. Following this overview, four standards will be discussed in detail. These include ANSI/ASB 036, Standard Practices for Method Validation in Forensic Toxicology; ANSI/ASB 054, Standard for a Quality Control Program in Forensic Toxicology Laboratories; ASB 122, Best Practice Recommendation for Performing Alcohol Calculations in Forensic Toxicology; and ANSI/ASB 037, Guidelines for Opinions and Testimony in Forensic Toxicology. The discussions centered around these four ASB documents will focus on implementation, interpretation, utilization, and updates that are currently ongoing. 

Workshop 6: Breath Alcohol Testing Program Operation and Management

• Date/Time: Monday, October 28, 1:30 - 5:30 PM
• Chairs: Nita Bolz & Jasmine Maxwell
• Audience: Basic 
• Abstract: As most states establish a breath alcohol testing program and oversight through state legislation or administrative codes, there is no consistent breath alcohol testing program management in the United States.  This workshop will provide attendees with a starting foundation in breath alcohol testing program operation and management through topics to include types of breath alcohol testing instrumentation, procurement and instrument selection, review variances in subject testing and program requirements in the US as well as testimony considerations and available accreditation options. 

Workshop 7: Are We Entering the Post-fentanyl Era – Or Have We Already Entered It?

• Date/Time: Monday, October 28, 1:30 - 5:30 PM
• Chairs: Marthe Vandeputte & Sara Walton
• Audience: Intermediate 
• Abstract: Of the different classes of new psychoactive substances, the growing group of new synthetic opioids (NSOs) is of particular concern owing to the high risk of overdose linked with opioid misuse. NSOs can be broadly categorized into analogues of the potent analgesic fentanyl and more structurally diverse, non-fentanyl-related substances. Between 2012 and 2018, the majority of emerging NSOs were fentanyl analogues. By 2019, this balance had shifted towards the appearance of non-fentanyl NSOs, shaping what is considered to be the current ‘post-fentanyl analogue era’. Today, non-fentanyl NSOs (e.g., nitazenes) are increasingly present at the street level, mixed with or mis-sold as heroin or other drugs, or as ingredients of fake opioid, benzodiazepine, or ecstasy tablets. In the United States, this situation is exacerbating the ongoing opioid crisis; in Europe, potential heroin shortages are expected to influence recreational opioid markets in the near future, and a further shift towards synthetic opioids is just one of different plausible scenarios. This delicate situation requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary response by all stakeholders.  

Workshop 8: Laboratory Development: Here to Start and How to Continually Improve

• Date/Time: Tuesday, October 29, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Chairs: Dani Mata & Luke Rodda
• Audience: Intermediate 
• Abstract: The SOFT Toxicology Resource Committee presents a forensic toxicology laboratory development and improvement workshop. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on forensic toxicology due to the fentanyl epidemic, various NPS popping up across the country, and a greater national focus on driving under the influence of drug and drug-facilitated crime testing. Various laboratories nationwide have been developing and improving their forensic toxicology programs with sharable learnings of successes, trials, and tribulations. At this workshop, hear from five different laboratories that have tackled this challenge. You will learn what worked, what didn’t, and what may have if other resources had been asked or planned for. There will be a focus on technological advances, efficient improvements, funding, and personnel. We encourage attendees to come with their own laboratory problems and solutions as there will be time for discussion within the workshop.  

Workshop 9: Recent Research on the Semi-synthetic Cannabinoids Δ8-THC, THCO, and HHC

• Date/Time: Tuesday, October 29, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Chairs: Szabolcs Sofalvi & Svante Vikingsson
• Audience: Intermediate 
• Abstract: Semi-synthetic cannabinoids are a rapidly evolving drug class that have gained a lot of popularity in a very short time in both the US and the rest of the world. The first common semi-synthetic cannabinoid was Δ8THC, but lately THCO (aka. THC-O-acetate) and HHC have emerged as well. Toxicologists can expect to encounter these drugs in their casework, but our ability to analyze and interpret results for these drugs is limited by knowledge gaps regarding separation, effects, potency, and metabolism. Research to fill these gaps is being conducted both in the US and abroad. In this workshop, sponsored by the NPS Committee, we have brought together experts to discuss the evolving market for semi-synthetic cannabinoids, the analytical challenges, and recent research. The workshop will include recaps of the pharmacology and potency of Δ8-THC, THCO, and HHC as well as the latest research from controlled purchases, clinical studies, and in vitro studies. 

Workshop 10: Presenting Oral Fluid Drug Testing Results in Court

• Date/Time: Tuesday, October 29, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Chairs: Amanda Mohr & Nathalie Desrosiers
• Audience: Intermediate 
• Abstract: The workshop below is provided on behalf of the Oral Fluid Committee. The purpose of the Oral Fluid Committee is to provide scientifically based information and resources regarding the utility of oral fluid analysis for other toxicologists, law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys and the public. The use of oral fluid as a biological matrix for drug testing in impaired driving cases has a longstanding history outside the United States. Within the United States, oral fluid drug testing has gained traction with most states having provisions in either implied consent or testing statues authorizing the use of oral fluid testing for screening and/or evidentiary purposes. Many states now offer oral fluid drug testing programs. In Canada, there are oral fluid screening devices authorized for the detection of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cocaine. With the increase in oral fluid drug testing results, inevitably these results will end up in a courtroom setting. The objective of this workshop is to provide context for justifying that oral fluid drug testing in impaired driving cases is not a new or novel concept. Further, the workshop will explore the interpretation of oral fluid results as well as provide context to present these results in courtroom setting from both a prosecutor and toxicology perspective.  

Workshop 11: The ABCs of ABFT Certification – Part I: General Information

• Date/Time: Tuesday, October 29, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Chairs: Marissa Finkelstein & Erika Phung
• Audience: Basic
• Abstract: The American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) was formed in 1975 “to provide, in the interest of the public and the advancement of the sciences, a professional certification program in forensic toxicology”. The mission of ABFT is “to establish and enhance voluntary standards for the practice of forensic toxicology and for the examination and recognition of scientists and laboratories providing forensic toxicology services”. Certification by the ABFT offers many benefits, including opportunities for career advancement, enhanced credibility when called to testify in deposition and court, and continuing education that is assessed by an accredited certification organization. The ABFT offers five certification categories: Fellow, Diplomate – Forensic Toxicology, Diplomate – Forensic Alcohol, Diplomate – Forensic Drug, and Analyst. Certification by the ABFT is achieved through the completion of an application with professional references and a written examination that is offered at professional meetings throughout the calendar year or upon request at the ABFT Administrative Office. Although applying for a professional certification may be intimidating, this workshop presented by the SOFT Young Forensic Toxicologists (YFT) Committee will elucidate the process by discussing the qualifications required to apply for certification, documents needed for the application process, the process of scheduling an examination, and ABFT testing procedures.  Achievement of individual certification has benefits such as possible ABFT committee involvement, but the process for the assessment of continuing education and recertification can be daunting and will be discussed during the workshop. A section on generalized study techniques, the creation of a study plan, and test taking tips will be presented; along with appropriate resource materials that applicants can utilize while preparing to take their ABFT certification examination.  

Workshop 12: The ABCs of ABFT Certification – Part II: Study Topics in Forensic Toxicology

• Date/Time: Tuesday, October 29, 1:30 - 5:30 PM
• Chairs: Marissa Finkelstein & Erika Phung
• Audience: Intermediate 
• Abstract: Since its inception in 1975, the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) has been individually certifying forensic toxicologists. There are currently 456 forensic toxicologists actively certified by ABFT: F-ABFT (156), D-ABFT-FA (43), D-ABFT-FD (18), D-ABFT-FT (222), and A-ABFT (17). While there are multiple certification types, this workshop presented by the SOFT Young Forensic Toxicologists (YFT) Committee will focus primarily on the preparation for the ABFT diplomate examination for forensic toxicology, the D-ABFT-FT certification; however, the information provided can be applied to other ABFT certification examinations. Studying for the examination largely focuses on the review of relevant literature and on-the-job training, which may be limited based on an individual’s job title and level of experience. Unfortunately, there are few formal resources or study guides available to aid those preparing to take their ABFT certification examination. Preparation for the ABFT examination incorporates extensive review of a variety of topics in forensic toxicology in conjunction with the applicant’s training and practical experience. The examination topic areas for the D-ABFT-FT certification include Laboratory Practice (10%); Analytical Procedures: Basic Chemistry (35%); Drugs, Xenobiotics and Toxicants: Foundational (25%); Drugs, Xenobiotics and Toxicants: Interpretative (15%); Pathology and Specimens (10%); Regulatory Issues (3%); and History (2%). Although the presentations cover many of the general topics under the D-ABFT-FT certification track, additional studying is required to be fully prepared for the ABFT examination.  

Workshop 13: How Am I Suppose To Analyze That?!  A Master Class in Sample Preparation

• Date/Time: Tuesday, October 29, 1:30 - 5:30 PM
• Chairs: Victor Vandell & Sarah Bartock
• Audience: Intermediate 
• Abstract: The daily life of a toxicologist working in a laboratory environment often involves analyzing antemortem and postmortem samples for the presence of toxins and/or toxicants.  Typically, the samples for analysis are complex in matrix composition making them unamenable to direct analysis via gas or liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the quality of data collected when analyzing samples in complex matrices is severely compromised if the sample clean-up methodology is not effective. This can lead to the detection of interferences that suppress or enhance your target analyte which could result in the incorrect reporting of testing results and the defiling of your testing instruments.  All laboratory toxicologists should have a strong knowledge of sample preparation methodologies that can be applied to all manners of complex matrices submitted for analytical testing.  This knowledge however takes years of laboratory testing experience to accumulate.  This workshop will offer a Master Class on sample preparation techniques covering matrices ranging from "ok that's not so bad" to "yeah that's yucky" to "ok that's just gross!". 

Workshop 14: Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS): Streamlining Forensic Toxicology Workflows

• Date/Time: Tuesday, October 29, 1:30 - 5:30 PM
• Chairs: Hunter Fleming & Allie Mennella
• Audience: Basic
• Abstract: Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is a software-based program that can be used to make laboratories more efficient. Traditional methods of managing cases can be timeconsuming, produce high volumes of paper, and require dedicated secure storage locations to maintain all case records. Modern technology, such as LIMS, is an important tool to hone laboratory processes. Advantages of implementing a LIMS include making the laboratory more efficient, eco-friendly, and reducing human error. LIMS are two-pronged. First, it can be used as a case management system to input and track cases electronically. However, LIMS can also be integrated with modern laboratory instrumentation to store, process, and compile case specific data in accordance with current accreditation standards, such as ISO 17025:2017 (Section 7.11. Control of data and information management). As toxicology is one of the few forensic disciplines that utilizes batch casework, typical LIMS platforms that are geared towards forensic science have not been able to easily encapsulate this feature for forensic toxicology workflows. This workshop aims to demonstrate how different laboratories have been able to implement, refine, and optimize various LIMS applications offered to the forensic science community. Participants will hear from practitioners that use a variety of LIMS applications, including Forensic Advantage, Porter Lee’s “The BEAST”, LabWare, and JusticeTrax.  

Workshop 15: Come as You are: Building a Diverse and Accessible Organization

• Date/Time: Tuesday, October 29, 1:30 - 5:30 PM
• Chairs: Oliver Grundmann & Samantha Tolliver
• Audience: Basic 
• Abstract: This half-day workshop offered by the SOFT Cultures, Values, and Diversity committee, introduces the value of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and will actively engage attendees through breakout sessions to explore barriers and solutions to accessibility in both their professional work environment and in the SOFT community. This is an interactive workshop with active engagement from the audience. 

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