Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-99/11

Title and Subtitle: The First Seven Years (1991-1998) of the FAA's Postmortem Forensic Toxicology Proficiency-Testing Program

Report Date: April 1999

Authors: Chaturvedi, A.K.

Abstract: Postmortem biosamples from the victims of aviation accidents are submitted to the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) for forensic toxicology, wherein acquiring accurate and authentic analytical data is the primary objective. Adherence to quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures is essential to achieve that objective, and proficiency-testing (PT) is an integral part of QA/QC of laboratories. However, there was previously no suitable PT program that could address the complexity of forensic toxicology. Existing PT programs do not include decomposed samples and solid tissues, and the majority of aviation (and to some extent, even medical examiner and coroner) case samples are putrid and of multiple types. Therefore, CAMI in July 1991 started such a needed PT program.

This program is used to (i) professionally develop and maintain technical currency on a voluntary, interlaboratory, and self-evaluation basis and (ii) quantifiably assess methods in the absence and presence of interfering substances. There are currently about 30 laboratories in the program, including CAMI's Toxicology and Accident Research Laboratory. Functioning under various governmental/non-governmental agencies and academic institutions, these laboratories represent a broad cross-section of the country. PT samples are distributed quarterly, and result summaries are sent to the participants, while maintaining their anonymity.

Since the inception of the program, 28 PT samples encompassing whole blood, plasma, urine, kidney, or liver, with (or without) drugs and common chemicals (nicotine, caffeine, -phenylethylamine, etc.) have been evaluated by the participants. Analytical findings were generally consistent with the anticipated values, but they were dependent on the nature and conditions of the specimens and types of the added analytes. Some incidences of false positives of concern were noted, as well. This is a nationally recognized PT program: It is one of the few programs recommended by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology in which laboratories may participate for their accreditation by the Board. Although participation in this program is currently free of charge, it has a potential for commercialization through the private sector. Whether the program is in the private or public sector, it will continue to play a critical part in supporting the QA/QC component of forensic toxicology, thereby enhancing operational performance.

Key Words: Quality Assurance/Quality Control, Proficiency Testing, Postmortem Forensic Toxicology, Aircraft Accident Investigation

No. of Pages: 15