Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section Toxicology Testing Program

Contact: DEATOX@USDOJ.GOV

In response to the ongoing novel synthetic drug abuse epidemic, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has initiated a contract with the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) whereby biological samples generated from drug overdose victims can be further analyzed for identification of these synthetic drugs. In many drug overdose cases, it can be difficult to identify novel synthetic drugs because routine forensic drug screens do not typically target such substances. We invite medical and law enforcement facilities to contact our program if you encounter an overdose of a suspected synthetic drug and desire to have any leftover biological samples (blood preferred) analyzed further for such synthetic substances.

Sample Qualifications and Requesting Testing

Collecting, Labeling, and Shipment of Samples (PDF)

Cost and Time of Sample Analysis

The DEA will cover the full cost of testing the patient samples received at UCSF. The originating medical facility will only be responsible for paying for packing and shipping samples to UCSF.

Results are expected to be returned to the originating requestor within three weeks of receipt of the sample at UCSF except in rare occurrences when a novel substance is identified.

UCSF Laboratory Information

Quarterly Reports (Coming Soon)

Quarterly reports are designed to demonstrate the locations and substances identified during these time points. Results are organized based upon the time-frame the sample was received and analyzed at UCSF.

Announcements

Newly Identified Synthetic Cannabinoid 4-CN-AMB-BUTINACA (PDF) (December 17, 2020)