Currently there is an 18-23% rejection rate for biological samples submitted to the Utah Bureau of Forensic Toxicology (“Tox Lab”) for testing. The main reasons are incomplete labeling and improper packaging, though sometimes container breakage or leakage is the cause. While a law enforcement agency may re-submit a rejected sample, initial sample rejection obviously causes inefficiencies for the submitting law enforcement agency, the Tox Lab, and prosecutors who timely need the test result for their blood-draw or urine sample DUI prosecutions.
To reduce the rejection rate, UPC teamed up with our partners at the Tox Lab, UHP, and Utah Highway Safety Office to create a training which will be taught to law enforcement at regional trainings throughout our state. The hour-long training consists of slides showing proper labeling and packaging, and examples of common mistakes. Also, we will show an eight-minute instructional video demonstrating correct labeling and packaging. Related case law will also be taught.
Prosecutors will be informed when the training is scheduled to be taught to law enforcement agencies in their jurisdictions. If you would like to see the materials or if you have any questions or input, please send an email to eberkovich@utah.gov These trainings will be funded by an NAPC/NHTSA Cooperative Mini-Grant that UPC applied for and received. The trainings will be taught by Gambrelli Layco, Tox Lab Director, Edward Berkovich, TSRP, and a law enforcement phlebotomist from the jurisdiction where the class is taught.
No comments:
Post a Comment