Brianna N Stang, Jessica T Kent, Sara E Walton, Kim Aldy, Rachel Culbreth, Alyssa Falise, Sharan Campleman, Barry K Logan, Jeffrey Brent, Paul Wax, Alex J Krotulski
{"title":"Comprehensive toxicological characterization and quantitation of drugs identified among nonfatal opioid and stimulant overdose presentations to US emergency departments.","authors":"Brianna N Stang, Jessica T Kent, Sara E Walton, Kim Aldy, Rachel Culbreth, Alyssa Falise, Sharan Campleman, Barry K Logan, Jeffrey Brent, Paul Wax, Alex J Krotulski","doi":"10.1093/jat/bkag036","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jat/bkag036","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Drug overdoses presenting to emergency departments (EDs) remain poorly characterized largely due to limitations resulting from constraints of hospital toxicology testing. This presents significant challenges for forensic and public health communities, as this population of primarily nonfatal overdoses is frequently not included with other data streams (e.g. fatalities, recreational drug markets), producing incomplete national and regional knowledge. To combat this issue, we performed a comprehensive toxicological analysis on patients presenting to EDs with suspected opioid or stimulant overdose. The Toxicology Investigators Consortium (ToxIC) implemented the Drug Toxico-Surveillance Reporting System at 17 healthcare institutions across the United States between April 2023 and September 2024, 995 patients (mortality rate = 1.0%, n = 10) were enrolled, and blood specimens were collected and analyzed at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education. All specimens underwent blood alcohol analysis, comprehensive screening of over 1,200 xenobiotics, and quantitation for drugs of interest. At least one xenobiotic was detected in 992 specimens. Most frequently observed drugs include fentanyl (n = 713, mean: 8.0 ± 11 ng/mL), methamphetamine (n = 380, mean: 170 ± 210 ng/mL), and cocaine (n = 306, mean: 7.6 ± 15 ng/mL). There were 629 detections of 43 unique novel psychoactive substances (NPS), including potent alpha-2-agonists xylazine (n = 249, mean: 14 ± 29 ng/mL) and medetomidine (n = 31, mean: 1.5 ± 1.8 ng/mL). Regional trends observed include increased prevalence of methamphetamine in the western and central United States, alpha-2-agonists in the eastern United States, and greater NPS diversity in the eastern United States. Traditional opioids and stimulants were generally detected at higher mean concentrations than their more potent NPS counterparts. Quantitative data varies in comparison to literature on postmortem and driving under the influence of drugs cases. This is the first study to analyze blood specimens and provide quantitative data from a large sample of primarily nonfatal opioid/stimulant related overdoses.</p>","PeriodicalId":14905,"journal":{"name":"Journal of analytical toxicology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148143206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lauren K Eccarius, Brianna N Stang, Sara E Walton, Alex J Krotulski, Barry K Logan
{"title":"In vitro metabolic profile characterization for synthetic cannabinoids MDMB-BINACA, MDMB-PICA, and AB-CHMINACA.","authors":"Lauren K Eccarius, Brianna N Stang, Sara E Walton, Alex J Krotulski, Barry K Logan","doi":"10.1093/jat/bkag034","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jat/bkag034","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The illicit synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist (SCRA) market has experienced multiple changes since its appearance in the 2010s and, most recently, in response to a class-wide SCRA ban imposed by China in 2021. The reemergence of \"older\" SCRAs, such as the highly potent indole- and indazole-3-carboxamide-containing drugs, has occurred due to the sale of unregulated precursors on grey-market and dark websites. This shift poses a significant threat to public health, and recent intoxication outbreaks associated with these types of SCRAs demonstrate the need for further toxicological research to aid in better understanding their metabolism and appropriate targets for toxicological testing. Testing for metabolites can extend the detection window of SCRAs as parent drugs are rapidly metabolized and present at low or potentially undetectable concentrations in biological samples, including urine. In these instances, metabolites may be more sensitive biomarkers of SCRA use. This study characterized the metabolites for the synthetic cannabinoids MDMB-BINACA (also known as MDMB-BUTINACA), MDMB-PICA, and AB-CHMINACA via in vitro human liver microsome (HLM) incubation and analysis by liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). Biotransformations observed in this study included ester and amide hydrolysis, oxidation, carboxylation, and dealkylation. Nine metabolites were identified for MDMB-BINACA, five of which were verified through retrospective analysis of authentic samples. Nine metabolites were also identified for both MDMB-PICA and AB-CHMINACA, with two metabolites of AB-CHMINACA verified in authentic samples. Characterization of the metabolism of these potent drugs allows for the use of the identified biomarker to improve forensic toxicology analyses and interpretation, especially when the use of synthetic cannabinoids is suspected.</p>","PeriodicalId":14905,"journal":{"name":"Journal of analytical toxicology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148143323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kayla N Ellefsen, Erin L Karschner, Sandrine A M Mérette, Amy L Patton, Elisa N Shoff, Christina R Smith, Michael T Truver, Dani C Mata, Donna M Papsun
{"title":"An enduring threat: NPS benzodiazepines in forensic and clinical toxicology from 2021 to 2025.","authors":"Kayla N Ellefsen, Erin L Karschner, Sandrine A M Mérette, Amy L Patton, Elisa N Shoff, Christina R Smith, Michael T Truver, Dani C Mata, Donna M Papsun","doi":"10.1093/jat/bkag026","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jat/bkag026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The proliferation and sustained detection of novel psychoactive benzodiazepines in forensic and clinical toxicology, combined with their potential for adverse events, poses an enduring threat to public health and safety with complex characteristics and challenges unique from other subclasses of novel psychoactive substances (NPS). This study aimed to systematically review the published effects, observations, and toxicological data from postmortem and human performance studies [including clinical, driving under the influence of drugs (DUID), and drug-facilitated crimes (DFC)] involving NPS benzodiazepines from 2021 to 2025. The challenges this class of compounds presents to clinicians, toxicologists, and medical professionals were also addressed, including both analytical and interpretative challenges. Literature reviews were performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, Google Search, toxicology journals, and conference abstract proceedings using search terms such as \"NPS benzodiazepines,\" \"designer benzodiazepines,\" and compound specific searches; authoritative websites such as NPS Discovery, National Forensic Laboratory Information System, and the European Union Drug Agency were also consulted. A total of 259 NPS benzodiazepine-related studies were identified including 29 postmortem, 15 DUID, 27 clinical, and 5 DFC studies detailed in this review. NPS benzodiazepines were widely pervasive in both postmortem and human performance cases with overlapping toxic and recreational concentrations; often involving polysubstance use with other central nervous system depressants and stimulants. Unique clinical presentations, observed effects, and autopsy findings were also reported for NPS benzodiazepines. This review provides an updated, consolidated resource to support toxicologists and clinicians in interpretation, emerging risk assessment, and evolving challenges associated with NPS benzodiazepines across postmortem and human performance settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":14905,"journal":{"name":"Journal of analytical toxicology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147772041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Variability in breath alcohol concentration profiles during controlled social drinking.","authors":"Ryan S O'Connor, Jennifer Wang, Jay R Vargas","doi":"10.1093/jat/bkag038","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jat/bkag038","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Controlled alcohol studies often use standardized dosing conditions to characterize absorption and elimination. The present study evaluated breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) profiles under supervised social drinking conditions that permitted variability in beverage consumption and food intake. Forty-two adult participants consumed self-selected 80-proof mixed drinks with ad libitum access to food. Drinking duration ranged from 45 to 172 min (mean 108 min, median 110 min), reflecting substantial variability in consumption time across participants. BrAC was measured at approximately 30-min intervals using an Intox EC/IR II until return to zero. Peak BrAC ranged from 0.040 to 0.117 g/210 L (mean 0.087). Time from the final drink to peak ranged from -23 to 76 min (mean 17 min, median 13 min). The mean elimination rate was 0.0186 g/210 L/hr (SD 0.0027, range 0.0134 to 0.0261). Most participants reached peak concentration shortly after drinking ceased, although delayed peaks of more than 1 hr were observed in some individuals. Representative curves demonstrated variability in absorption timing, including occasional multi-peak profiles, while post-peak elimination was generally linear. These findings characterize the range of BrAC-time patterns observed under supervised social drinking conditions and provide context for interpreting alcohol measurements in applied settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":14905,"journal":{"name":"Journal of analytical toxicology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13294554/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148156751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sue Pearring, Simone Tchu, Brigitte Desharnais, Alexandra Doyon, Pascal Mireault, Simon Elliott, Luke N Rodda
{"title":"Characterization of postmortem γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and a novel model to discern exogenous use.","authors":"Sue Pearring, Simone Tchu, Brigitte Desharnais, Alexandra Doyon, Pascal Mireault, Simon Elliott, Luke N Rodda","doi":"10.1093/jat/bkag046","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jat/bkag046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Interpretation of postmortem (PM) γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) remains challenging due to endogenous production and PM increases in concentration associated with decomposition. Existing interpretation guidelines primarily rely on a single criterion, such as concentration thresholds or urine-to-blood ratios. In San Francisco, routine and unbiased implementation of GHB testing across all casework generated a large dataset including 1865 GHB detections in PM blood or urine, of which 552 were paired peripheral blood and urine samples. Cases were categorized as acute exogenous use, confirmed exogenous use, or no indication of use based on toxicological and investigative findings. Peripheral blood concentrations in cases with no indication of use did not vary significantly by age, gender, race, or manner of death but were significantly higher in decomposed cases. While existing guidelines effectively identify endogenous levels, the proposed hybrid model, combining peripheral blood concentration (B) with urine-to-blood ratio (U/B), enables further classification into no exogenous use, possible exogenous use (B > 5 mg/L and U/B > -0.05 × B + 4), and acute exogenous use (B > 50 mg/L and U/B > -0.05 × B + 10). The model was evaluated and compared to existing guidelines. Internal applicability was assessed using recent casework, and external applicability was evaluated using an independent dataset from Québec, Canada. The hybrid model demonstrated improved performance, achieving substantially higher positive predictive value when compared to existing guidelines, while maintaining equal or improved performance measures across other metrics. This approach provides a conservative, evidence-based framework for distinguishing acute exogenous GHB use in PM casework.</p>","PeriodicalId":14905,"journal":{"name":"Journal of analytical toxicology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148317199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluation of gabapentin: a 7-year review of postmortem and driving while intoxicated cases in Dallas County.","authors":"Sara K Dempsey, Lindsay C Glicksberg","doi":"10.1093/jat/bkag040","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jat/bkag040","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gabapentin is an approved treatment for epilepsy and neuropathic pain but due to a relatively minimal side effect profile at therapeutic doses it is also prescribed for numerous off-label uses. Due to an increasing number of prescriptions, the misuse and abuse of gabapentin has also increased. This study reviewed driving while intoxicated (DWI) and postmortem cases positive for gabapentin submitted to the Dallas County Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences from January 2018 to December 2025. A total of 3189 cases were positive for gabapentin, of which 87 were DWI and 2973 were postmortem, and was identified in approximately 5% of all casework each year. Average blood concentrations were 3798.1 ng/ml (range 201.9-16 008.0 ng/ml) for DWI cases and 8983.9 ng/ml (range 200.9-180 706.2 ng/ml) for postmortem cases. The primary user of gabapentin were white males in their 40s to 50s for all case types. The substances most commonly identified with gabapentin in postmortem cases were opioids, ethanol, and stimulants and in DWI cases were stimulants, benzodiazepines, and THC and its metabolites. Almost half (47%) of postmortem cases were ruled a natural death by the medical examiner. In 155 cases (5.2%), gabapentin was included in the cause of death, most often listed with other drugs. With an increasing interest in gabapentin in forensic toxicology, the data presented indicates that gabapentin remains a consistent finding in Dallas County casework.</p>","PeriodicalId":14905,"journal":{"name":"Journal of analytical toxicology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148175812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marco Ballotari, Michael T Truver, Jennifer L Hoyer, Bruce A Goldberger, Chris W Chronister
{"title":"Prevalence of p-fluorofentanyl and xylazine in postmortem fentanyl casework.","authors":"Marco Ballotari, Michael T Truver, Jennifer L Hoyer, Bruce A Goldberger, Chris W Chronister","doi":"10.1093/jat/bkag035","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jat/bkag035","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the United States (U.S.), fentanyl remains the leading drug associated with opioid-related deaths. Many analogs of fentanyl have been identified and linked to the opioid overdose epidemic. After core-structure scheduling of illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) and related products, para-fluorofentanyl (p-FF) reemerged with varied prevalence in the U.S. Xylazine also emerged as a cutting agent in IMF. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and trend use patterns of fentanyl, p-FF, and xylazine in a case series from 2021 to 2023 in the state of Florida. A three-year retrospective analysis of data was conducted. A total of 8121 cases were submitted for analysis over the period of study. Among them, 1530 cases (18.8%) tested positive for fentanyl in one or more of the specimens submitted for these cases. The age of the decedents ranged 16-85 years, with the majority being White males. The concentration range of fentanyl in the blood specimens (n = 1358) analyzed was 2.5-579 ng/mL. p-FF was detected with fentanyl in 164 postmortem blood specimens with a concentration range of 2.5-65 ng/mL. Xylazine was identified in the urine of 391 decedents. The combination of fentanyl, p-FF, and xylazine was detected in 70 cases. When fentanyl co-occurred with both xylazine and p-FF, it was primarily observed with benzodiazepines, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other opioids. This study aimed to provide a better understanding of the fentanyl analog and adulterant prevalence in Florida.</p>","PeriodicalId":14905,"journal":{"name":"Journal of analytical toxicology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148156696","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Isadora Locilento Denkena, Aline Franco Martins, Leonardo Costalonga Rodrigues, Rafael Lanaro, Renata C S de Azevedo, Mariana G G Santos, Daniele Muñoz, Victor A P Gianvecchio, Marilyn A Huestis, Jose Luiz Costa
{"title":"Development and validation of a quantitative analytical method for urine samples in drug-facilitated sexual assault cases.","authors":"Isadora Locilento Denkena, Aline Franco Martins, Leonardo Costalonga Rodrigues, Rafael Lanaro, Renata C S de Azevedo, Mariana G G Santos, Daniele Muñoz, Victor A P Gianvecchio, Marilyn A Huestis, Jose Luiz Costa","doi":"10.1093/jat/bkag054","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jat/bkag054","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) is a type of drug-facilitated crime defined as a form of sexual violence against an individual incapacitated or unconscious due to the effects of psychoactive substances. These substances alter the victim's level of consciousness, judgment, and/or memory. This study aimed to develop and validate a quantitative LC-MS/MS method for psychoactive substances and biotransformation products with detection limits suitable for DFSA investigations. The scope was based on ANSI/ASB Standard 121 guidelines (2021). Urine samples were submitted to enzymatic hydrolysis, followed by liquid-liquid extraction. An aliquot of urine underwent protein precipitation with acetonitrile. After agitation, centrifugation, and evaporation of solvent, samples were resuspended with mobile phase and injected into LC-MS/MS system. The method was validated according to ANSI/ASB Standard 036 recommendations, with quantification limits of 0.5 to 50 ng/mL and linearity of 0.5 to 750 ng/mL. Bias and imprecision were better than 14.3% and 14.8%, respectively, and matrix effect ranging from -72.9% to 21.5%. No evidence of carryover and interference was observed. All substances were stable at 10 °C for 24 hours and recovery results were better than 5.2%. In total, 42 samples from sexual assault victims were analyzed, with at least one substance detected in 26 samples. Ethanol was the most predominant substance, followed by 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cocaine. A sensitive method was developed and validated to quantify psychoactive substances in urine, with low limits of detection and quantification, adequate linearity, bias, imprecision, and successfully applied to the analysis of authentic urine samples.</p>","PeriodicalId":14905,"journal":{"name":"Journal of analytical toxicology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148307087","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
John P Buchweitz, Justin A Zyskowski, Kevin Cajigas, Jason W Brooks
{"title":"Malicious poisoning of a canine with the neuromuscular blocking agent rocuronium: a case report with postmortem quantitation.","authors":"John P Buchweitz, Justin A Zyskowski, Kevin Cajigas, Jason W Brooks","doi":"10.1093/jat/bkag005","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jat/bkag005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rocuronium bromide is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) commonly used in anesthesia for its rapid onset and intermediate duration of action. While its therapeutic use has been well-documented in humans and experimentally in dogs, this report describes the first known case of its malicious use in the fatal intoxication of a canine. Herein we describe the case of a six-year-old male Plott Hound found deceased under suspicious circumstances. Postmortem investigation revealed focal hemorrhages near potential injection sites, and toxicological analysis via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of rocuronium in muscle tissue, heart blood, and urine. The dog had no surgical history or indication for anesthesia. However, rocuronium concentrations mirrored those seen in anesthetized human patients under ventilatory support. The owner, a licensed pharmacist, was suspected of drug theft and aggravated animal abuse. This case highlights the lethality of NMBAs when misused outside of the clinical setting and further underscores a collaborative, multi-institutional, multidisciplinary approach to veterinary forensic investigations.</p>","PeriodicalId":14905,"journal":{"name":"Journal of analytical toxicology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13235728/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145944011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluation of a rapid immunoenzymatic screening kit (SAMElife™) for drugs of abuse detection in hair.","authors":"Valentina Martini, Stefania Ortu, Cristiana Stramesi, Claudia Vignali, Luca Morini","doi":"10.1093/jat/bkag053","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jat/bkag053","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The performance of the SAMElife™ rapid hair screening kit was evaluated for the detection of drugs of abuse in 31 anonymized hair samples, encompassing 217 analyses for morphine, cocaine, amphetamines, buprenorphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, and methadone. Screening results were compared with confirmatory gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analyses. The kit demonstrated high specificity (100%) and good sensitivity (81.8%) for basic drugs, with four false negatives observed for cocaine, while no false positives were recorded. Detection of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was unreliable, yielding uniformly positive results regardless of confirmatory analysis. The automated workflow, requiring only hair cutting and no prior decontamination, provides a rapid and practical approach for preliminary screening in routine toxicology laboratories. Despite limitations in THC detection and the small number of positive samples for some analytes, the SAMElife™ kit offers a reliable tool to reduce the number of samples requiring confirmatory analysis. Further evaluation on larger populations and optimization of the THC assay are recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":14905,"journal":{"name":"Journal of analytical toxicology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13335650/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148277508","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}