Drug Chemistry Unit

Submission Guidelines

• Evidence Submission Policies
• In order to triage submissions of drug evidence in the laboratory, submitters are asked to complete a Drug Evidence Request form before submitting evidence to the laboratory.
• Syringe rinsing

FAQs

• What is a pharmacophore?
  A: A pharmacophore represents the minimum required parts of a drug or molecule needed to bind to a receptor. Binding to a receptor generates an effect in the body (usually in the brain), which has been documented by scientific studies. Ohio Administrative Code 4729:9-1-01 outlines the requirements for a forensic laboratory to identify a synthetic cannabinoid, benzodiazepine or fentanyl pharmacophore found within a larger drug molecule.
• How are pharmacophores scheduled?
  A: Pharmacophores are schedule I drugs.
• Where can I find the schedule of a substance identified in a report?
  A: The Ohio Administrative Code is available on the internet. Refer to OAC Section 4729:9-1-01 for a list of scheduled compounds in the state of Ohio.
• What are typical Drug Chemistry results and what do they mean?
   
  • Insufficient for analysis: There is not enough substance to perform the scientific tests needed to identify a controlled substance and still leave half of the sample for defense testing.
  • Insufficient for identification: There is enough substance to perform the scientific tests, but the results are inconclusive or too weak to make a positive call.
  • Not tested: The evidence was not tested due to limited sample size or a determination that analysis of the sample would not add additional weight/information to the case.
  • Markings indicate: The analyst has identified the tablets, based on the markings, to be a non-controlled substance.
• How do I package marijuana plants?
  A: Remove all growing medium (roots, dirt…) and mature stalks 2 inches below the lowest leaf-bearing branch. Dry all vegetation and package in paper bags.
• How do I package liquids from meth labs?
  A: When possible, use glass vials inside suitable bottles, packaged separately in plastic bags. For additional information, please contact a Drug Chemistry Laboratory Supervisor.
• Do you test food products?
  A: Yes, on a case-by-case basis.
• Does the Drug Chemistry Unit test bodily fluids or hair for the presence of controlled substances?
  A: No. The unit does not test bodily fluids or hair for the presence of controlled substances.
• Does the Drug Chemistry Unit test for household items (bleach or cleaning solutions) or poisons?
  A: No. The unit does not have the methods or protocols to determine these types of compounds.
• Does the Drug Chemistry Unit determine purity of substances?
  A: No. The unit reports the identification of controlled substances, but it does not convey the purity of the substance.
• Does the Drug Chemistry Unit test used syringes for the presence of controlled substances?
  A: When possible, officers should submit the liquid contents, rather than the syringe itself. Syringes may be submitted to the laboratory with a laboratory supervisor’s approval, but only in death-related cases. Read these guidelines for more information regarding syringe evidence rinsing.

OHLEG Apps

Laboratory Online: This app allows county prosecutors to securely track the testing status and results of DNA and other types of evidence that local law enforcement agencies submit to BCI.

Laboratory Evidence Pre-Log and Inquiry: This app allows an OHLEG user to complete BCI’s evidence submission paperwork in advance and check on completion status.

BCI has made efforts to protect employees and law enforcement personnel from accidental exposure to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids through the promotion of safe handling techniques and personal protective equipment. Read this document for more information about drug evidence in the courtroom.

• BCI Chemistry Policy: The submission rules for drug chemistry evidence are listed in this document.
• Drug Evidence in the Courtroom: Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids can absorb through the skin, and this document explains BCI’s evidence warnings.
• BCI Lab Accreditation: BCI laboratories are accredited to ISO 17025 International Standards for Testing Laboratories by ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). Find more information on this webpage.