Information is collected through a process known as Discovery. Which records to Discover depends on the type of case. The following are examples of some of the records which may be requested for different types of cases:







DRUG DISCOVERY-TOXICOLOGY

1. All screening test results for the subject’s specimen
2. All quality controls and calibrator results for the run in which the specimen was tested
3. The identification of the manufacturer of the reagent kit used in the analysis
4. The manufacturer’s product insert provided with the kit
5. The method used by the laboratory in the analysis, including procedures which differ from the manufacturer’s recommendation
6. The specificity testing performed by the lab for the drug in question by the method
7. All GC/MS data, including chromatograms, relating to the subject’s specimen.
8. All GC/MS data, including chromatograms, of the calibrators and controls on the subject’s specimen run.
9. The GC/MS method identifying the chromatography acceptance criteria, and composition of the calibrators and controls.
10. The specificity data for the drug in question on GC/MS.
11. The extraction procedure and sample preparation, including derivitizing agent used.
12. The LOD, LOQ and/or cutoff for the positive/negative determination
13. The results of last two proficiency tests given by an outside organization (CAP, SAMHSA etc.), if any
14. The results of in-house blind QA tests given in the 12 months.
15. The results of any proficiency tests given to the analyst in this case.
16. Any and all maintenance record for the machine used in this case one year prior and after the test in question

DRUG DISCOVERY-NARCOTICS/CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

1. Laboratory SOP on the methods of drug testing
2. Bench notes as well as the formal test result report
3. All records pertaining to the instrumental analysis (GC/MS, FTIR etc.) of the substance
4. The chain of custody of the case
5. Any or all of the Discovery items, as applicable, listed in the above section

BREATH ALCOHOL DISCOVERY

1. The current List of Certified Operators for the breath alcohol machine
2. A copy of all licenses issued to the laboratory during the year in question.
3. A copy of the breath alcohol method on file with the regulating agency.
4. The machine’s Operator Manual used and relied upon by the laboratory
5. The titration records for the solution used in the simulator for calibration or the periodic determinations of accuracy
6. The periodic determination of accuracy check records two months before and after the date of the test in question
7. The subject tests logs, or a record of all the tests performed on the machine for one month prior and after the date of the test in question
8. The maintenance logs of the machine at least six months prior and after the date of the test in question
9. Any correspondence, a year prior and after the test in question, to or from the laboratory with the reguating agency regarding the certified method

BLOOD/URINE ALCOHOL DISCOVERY

1. All GC records, including: run list, chromatograms and results of calibrators and controls, chromatograms and results of subject’s sample
2. The maintenance records for the GC for 2 months prior and after the case
3. The method (SOP) on file with the regulating agency
4. The qualifications of the person drawing the blood, and the testing analyst
5. Any and all laboratory data and records of the analysis utilizing a method other than GC

POST MORTEM DISCOVERY

1. Any of all of the items listed above, if applicable
2. Sample collection information including: documentation of time of incident, time of body retrieval, time of autopsy and method of storage prior to autopsy, location of sample draw (heart, femoral artery, vitreous humor etc.)
3. Any and all laboratory data and records for the presence/identification of bacterial contamination and the by products of endogenous ethanol production