A reliable method for the detection, confirmation, and quantitation of cannabinoids in blood.

A sensitive and reliable method was developed for the identification and quantitation of cannabinoids in blood. Samples were screened by fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Analysis was completed on a benchtop mass selective detector using selected ion monitoring. The limits of detection were 0.2 ng/mL for delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC and 11-hydroxy-THC and 2 ng/mL for 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC. Extensive method validation is presented, including within-run variation, between-run variation, and results from external proficiency testing. Sample stability was studied over a 6-month period. Several derivatives and extraction techniques were evaluated to determine optimum performance. Data from a blind study of 217 samples were used to determine the predictive value of the screening procedure. The procedure is used routinely in the laboratory on samples from drivers issued a citation for impaired driving and also on postmortem blood from death investigations.

Phenol poisoning due to contaminated drinking water.

Accidental spillage of 37,900 1 of 100% phenol (carbolic acid) in July 1974 caused chemical contamination of wells in a rural area of southern Wisconsin. Human illness characterized by diarrhea, mouth sores, dark urine, and burning of the mouth was subsequently reported by seventeen individuals who consumed the contaminated water; their estimated intake of phenol was 10 to 240 mg/person/day. Clustering of the illnesses in time and place, as well as the similarity of these cases to previously documented cases of phenol poisoning, suggest that phenol in water caused the illness. Physical and laboratory examinations 6 months after the exposure revealed no residual abnormality in exposed persons. Water testing and geologic evaluations indicate that contamination of the underground water system may persist for many years.

Performance evaluation of Wisconsin laboratories performing implied consent alcohol determinations.

Hospital, clinic, and public health laboratories are licensed to perform implied consent blood and urine alcohol determination. Methods include enzymatic, gas chromatographic, and distillation. The techniques of evaluation/certification are outlined. The performance exhibited no consistent bias toward high or low values. The distribution of participants' values, i.e. precision, indicated a 3% coefficient of variation performance. Laboratories showed an increase in quality of performance with time, especially after the initial 6 month period. Quality of results varied in the order: gas chromatographic, enzymatic, and distillation methods.