Proposal for the investigation of “spiked drink” cases

 

Following a recent audit of the number and results from various requests sources for the investigation of spiked drink cases, there appears to have been an increase in the number of requests.  

Therefore, it is proposed that any request involving clinical details of “spiked drink” or “drug facilitated sexual assault” should be processed in a standardised way as below:

 Proposed Drug Panel

Below is a list of drugs proposed by a DFSA Working Group as a potential list of drugs/compounds which should be included in all DFSA cases requiring toxicological analysis of biological fluid. Although the Working Group was primarily set-up for police work and criminal cases, there is an obvious need for some form of standardisation within clinical toxicology.

The drug/compounds proposed have been chosen due to their potential effects and their previous detection in DFSA cases. In addition, it is recommended that the list be regularly updated in order to maintain the relevance of the drugs included.

  

“Essential” Drugs

Amphetamines

Barbiturates

“Low dose” Benzodiazepines (e.g. flunitrazepam, midazolam, lormetazepam)

Other Benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam, temazepam)

Cannabinoids

Chloral Hydrate

Cocaine

Ethanol

GHB

Ketamine

Methadone

Opiates/opioids

Sedative antidepressants (e.g. dothiepin, amitriptyline)

Sedative antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine)

Zolpidem

Zopiclone

 

 “Other” Drugs

(if “Essential Drug Screening” is negative and/or if techniques are available)

Phenothiazines (e.g. thioridazine, chlorpromazine)

Volatile substances of abuse (e.g. chloroform)

Zaleplon