Community overdose surveillance: Comparing substances collected from the death scene investigation to toxicology results.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Recent overdose trends are characterized by increased toxicological detection of stimulants with opioids, yet it is unclear whether these substances are mixed prior to consumption or purposefully used simultaneously.

Methods

Postmortem toxicology data were collected in Marion County, Indiana, from 45 fatal overdose cases involving heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, or cocaine. Substances found by death scene investigators at the scene of the fatal overdose (57 samples) were tested using high-pressure liquid chromatography mass-spectrometry (LC-MS) technology. We compared toxicology and LC-MS results to understand whether substances contributing to overdose were found in combination or separately at the scene of the overdose.

Results

Comparing toxicology rep

SUBMITTER: Lockwood TE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8180509 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature