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Test for synthetic designer drugs to inform forensic toxicology investigations

From arrests to autopsies, coroners, medical examiners and law enforcement officials are seeing more cases involving synthetic designer drugs because of their availability and the resulting “legal high.”

The most popular of these substances are bath salts and K2/Spice.

As states across the country work to identify and ban these substances, AIT is among the first forensic toxicology labs to test for them. Our expertise is regularly cited by media and has been influential in changing designer drug legislation in the state of Indiana. (Learn more about AIT’s synthetic designer drug research)

About Designer Drugs

Because the chemicals used to make these drugs typically aren’t controlled, their potency is wildly unpredictable and can vary greatly from one batch to the next. Adverse effects include serious physical and behavioral changes, including impaired perception, reduced motor control, disorientation, extreme paranoia and violent episodes, even after a single use.

The Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012 (find on page 138) bans around 30 chemical structures and allows law enforcement officials to target new compounds outside of those listed in the Act.

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To learn more, visit AIT’s test catalog or contact our Forensic Client Services Department.