Axis toxicologists Laureen Marinetti, PhD, F-ABFT, and Stuart Kurtz, M.S, D-ABFT-FT, will be presenting at the Midwest Association of Toxicology and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (MATT) Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 18-20, 2026. Their presentation topics are below and the presenter is highlighted.
Platform Presentation by Stuart A. K. Kurtz, M.S., D-ABFT-FT: The Cycle Repeats: Evolution of Kratom Products
The lab has been testing for mitragynine since 2020 but does not differentiate any of the 4 enantiomers. In 2025, 7-OH mitragynine was added to our comprehensive method and confirmed qualitatively. This presentation looks at several cases involving kratom products and some history of the products that have emerged.
Platform Presentation by Laureen J. Marinetti, Ph.D., F-ABFT: Detection of BTMPS in Blood in Toxicology Case Work
BTMPS (Bis[2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl] sebacate), brand name Tinuvin®770, is commonly used in the manufacture of plastics as a UV‑stabilizing additive to prevent degradation from sunlight and weather exposure. While BTMPS is often found in samples alongside fentanyl, synthetic opioids, and stimulants, it can also be detected in the absence of typical illicit drugs. To date, Axis has confirmed one positive case with BTMPS in a blood sample. The case was an oxycodone overdose with a very high concentration of oxycodone and no illicit drugs detected. Dr. Marinetti will discuss this case and any additional cases of BTMPS in her presentation.
Axis is pleased to be able to share knowledge with other professionals in the fields of toxicology. If you will be attending MATT, please make plans to connect with them and take in their presentations.