Day of the Dead 2021
From Phil Roberts, CEO
Today Axis celebrates The Day of the Dead!
Some history on this cultural and religious holiday…
The Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de Muertos or Día de los Muertos) is a holiday celebrated from 31st October through 2nd of November inclusive, though other days, such as 6th November, may be included depending on the locality. It originated, in part, in Mexico, where it is mostly observed, but also in other places, especially by people of Mexican heritage elsewhere. Although associated with the Western Christian All Hallowtide observances of All Hallow’s Eve, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, it has a much less solemn tone and is portrayed as a holiday of joyful celebration rather than mourning. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and to remember friends and family members who have died. These celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed.
All Souls’ Day, also known as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed and the Day of the Dead, is a day of prayer and remembrance for the souls of those who have died, which is observed by Roman Catholics and other Christian denominations. All Souls’ Day is often celebrated in Western Christianity; Saturday of Souls is a related tradition more frequently observed in Eastern Christianity. Practitioners of All Souls’ Day traditions often remember deceased loved ones in various ways on the day. Beliefs and practices associated with All Souls’ Day vary widely among Christian denominations.
At Axis you would see a few people dressed up, the office a little decorated, and holiday food.
Celebrating The Day of the Dead is an example of where Axis can emphasize the meaning and impact of Axis’ work. We are on mission when we help families with closure.
May today be a fond remembrance of a friend or family member no longer with us, and a celebration of the importance of your work!
- Published in Announcements
NAME 2021 Recap!
By Phil Roberts, CEO
It was terrific connecting in person this year in West Palm Beach!
Dr. George Behonick, Axis’ Lab Director and Chief Toxicologist, and Trevor Templin, Axis’ Operational Services Manager, and I enjoyed visiting with everyone.
Dr. Behonick presented Case Report: Detection of Novel Psychoactive Drugs in the Context of Fentanyl and Heroin Use. This poster, developed in conjunction with the Office of the Lake County, Indiana, Coroner, provides an example of the complexities of death investigation in light of the emergence of novel compounds. For a copy of the poster, please contact [email protected].
![George Behonick presents Axis poster](https://axisfortox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/IMG_0107web-300x225.jpg)
George Behonick presents Axis Case Report
It is always exciting to have the NAME and Axis Communities come together. Axis is proud to contribute to the good work of our NAME accredited Offices and NAME members!
- Published in Announcements
NAME 2021 Annual Meeting – October 15-19, 2021
Axis Forensic Toxicology is pleased to be attending the NAME 2021 Annual Meeting later this month in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Dr. Behonick, Axis’ Lab Director and Chief Toxicologist, will be presenting Case Report: Detection of Novel Psychoactive Drugs in the Context of Fentanyl and Heroin Use on Sunday, October 17 from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
We look forward to connecting with those from the Axis community who will be attending! Stop by booth #402 in the Exhibit Hall to say hello!
# # #
- Published in Announcements
Axis Expert Joins Newly Formed Postmortem Toxicology Committee
We are pleased to announce that an Axis Forensic Toxicology subject matter expert has been appointed to a new Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) standing committee.
![](https://axisfortox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Axis-Logo.png)
Axis Forensic Toxicology (2021)
https://axisfortox.com
Kevin Shanks, M.S., D-ABFT-FT has joined SOFT’s newly formed Postmortem Toxicology committee, which is comprised of 11 forensic professionals who have experience in postmortem toxicology, forensic pathology, and/or medicolegal death investigation from across the United States and Canada. The committee is holding its first official meeting during the 2021 Society of Forensic Toxicologists annual conference in Nashville, TN. Shanks is also a member of SOFT’s Young Forensic Toxicologists committee and Designer Drugs committee.
The mission of the Postmortem Toxicology committee is to serve as a resource for medicolegal professionals and to promote collaboration and communication between forensic toxicologists, forensic pathologists and coroners, medicolegal death investigators, and law enforcement to assist in the determination of cause and manner of death.
The Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT), founded in 1970, is a professional organization for forensic toxicologists and chemists. The Society’s peer reviewed scientific journal is the Journal of Analytical Toxicology. The Society will hold its annual conference September 26th through October 1st, 2021, in Nashville, TN.
![](https://axisfortox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SOFT-LOGO.png)
Society of Forensic Toxicologists (2021)
http://www.soft-tox.org
- Published in Announcements
National Forensic Science Week
By Phil Roberts, CEO
This week we join fellow forensic scientists across the county in observance of National Forensic Science Week!
What a wonderful opportunity to…
- Recognize the important role medical examiners, coroners, pathologists, death investigators, forensic nurses, and infant clinicians play
- Celebrate the use of proper forensic science
- Appreciate the complexity of medicolegal death investigations, drug facilitated crimes, and infant welfare protection throughout the nation
- Applaud the scientific and technical professionals that serve our communities in this vital role.
Watch for communication throughout the week as we recognize and celebrate together.
Axis is proud to walk alongside you with your casework, and to be your forensic toxicology partner!
- Published in Announcements
Postmortem Redistribution
by Kevin Shanks, M.S., D-ABFT-FT
Postmortem redistribution (PMR) is the phenomenon that occurs in blood drug concentrations after death as drug from anatomic sites of high drug concentration (e.g. organs such as the liver, lungs, and heart (myocardium)) is released to sites of lower drug concentration (e.g. the blood). This release may falsely elevate the drug concentration in blood surrounding the organs or from the central cavity.
![](https://axisfortox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/BloodTubes-300x225.jpg)
Blood collected in test tubes for analysis.
Test Tubes with Blood” by biologycorner is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.
Substances that are alkaline (pH > 7.0), lipophilic, and have volumes of distribution (Vd) greater than 3 L/kg are more likely to undergo PMR. These substances include many commonly detected drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline, nortriptyline), amphetamines (e.g. methamphetamine, amphetamine), and opioids (e.g. fentanyl, oxycodone).
The exact mechanism of PMR has not yet been identified, but changes in pH and protein structure after death are thought to also play a role in the phenomenon. Because of this phenomenon, the preferred anatomical sites of blood collection for toxicological analyses are peripheral sites such as the iliac or femoral veins. The site of blood collection is but one variable in the occurrence of PMR. Other factors influencing PMR include body storage temperature (the higher the temperature, the greater the potential for concentration change), the time between death and specimen collection (a longer lapsed time gives more potential for changes), the position of the body when found (blood may drain from centrally located sites to peripherally located sites), and medical intervention (stomach contents may be aspirated or blood may move from central to peripheral sites; drug may be released from traumatized tissue into blood).
Even as it has been studied for decades, PMR is a complex process and is still not fully understood, but the aforementioned factors are just some variables to be considered when interpreting toxicology’s role in a medical-legal death investigation.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding PMR’s role in a postmortem toxicology case, please reach out to our Axis Forensic Toxicology subject matter experts at [email protected].
References
- Barnhart FE, Bonnell HJ, Rossum KM. Postmortem Drug Redistribution. Forensic Sci Rev. 2001. Jul;13(2):101-129.
- Pelissier-Alicot AL, Gaulier JM, Champsaur P, Marquet P. Mechanisms Underlying Postmortem Redistribution of Drugs: A Review. J Anal Toxicol. 2003 Nov-Dec;27(8):533-544.
- Yarema MC, Becker CE. Key Concepts in Postmortem Drug Redistribution. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2005;43(4):235-241.
- Postmortem Redistribution of Drugs. Principles of Forensic Toxicology. Fifth Edition. Fred S. Apple, Barry S. Levine, Sarah Kerrigan. Springer Nature Switzerland AG. 2020. 595-602.
- Published in General
Drug Primer: Marijuana
by Kevin Shanks, M.S., D-ABFT-FT
Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a genus of annual flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae, and consists of the species, Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. The plants are native to Eastern Asia, but are cultivated all over the world. Cannabis is considered a Schedule I controlled substance by the United States Federal government, but it is legalized for medical use in 36 states and the District of Columbia (DC) and for recreational use in 18 states and DC.
![](https://axisfortox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/MarijuanaPlant-300x199.jpg)
Marijuana plant.
‘Legal Colorado Marijuana Grow” by Brett Levin Photography is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
The plant contains more than 500 different compounds. At least 113 of the compounds are classified as cannabinoids. The major cannabinoid is Delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol (THC), but others include tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). Other compounds in the plant include terpenes, such as alpha-pinene, limonene, linalool, and myrcene.
![](https://axisfortox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Delta9THC-300x167.jpg)
Chemical Structure of Delta-9-THC
Structure drawn by Kevin G. Shanks (2021)
THC binds to the endocannabinoid system in the body. Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is primarily located in the brain and spinal cord, while cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is found in the gastrointestinal system, the immune system, and the peripheral nervous system. THC binds to these receptors and acts as a partial agonist, which means it activates them, but only has partial ability to produce a maximal response.
THC’s effects will vary according to the dose consumed, the potency of the substance, the route of administration, and the individual’s use history with the substance. When inhaled via smoking the plant or vaping THC oil, effects typically occur within minutes and last for a few hours. If taken orally via an edible such as THC-infused gummy candy and cookies, effects normally take 30-90 minutes to occur and last for 4-6 hours. Effects on the body include drowsiness, relaxation, relaxed inhibitions, altered time, altered perception, impaired learning and memory, difficulty in concentration and thought formation, and euphoria. Physiological effects include dry mouth, increased appetite, red eyes, and tachycardia.
![](https://axisfortox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CannabisEdibles-300x200.jpg)
Cannabis Edibles.
“THC-Infused Gummies” by THCProductPhotos is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
THC is metabolized in the liver primarily by the CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 enzymes to hundreds of detectable metabolites, with the main metabolites being the pharmacologically active 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC) and the pharmacologically inactive 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THC-COOH). THC-COOH is further conjugated with glucuronic acid and then excreted out of the body via the feces and urine.
Detection windows for the metabolite can be quite extensive and will vary according to the dose used, duration of use, and the individual using the substance. Frequent users of THC could have detectable levels of THC-COOH in their urine for up to 30 days or longer after cessation of use. Most infrequent users eliminate the metabolite within a few days up to a week after use.
A forensic toxicology lab can test for THC using many different types of instrument platforms. The initial screening test can be an immunoassay test, but can also be completed via gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS) or liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Confirmatory testing is usually completed by either GC-MS or LC-MS/MS. In blood, both parent THC and, at minimum, the THC-COOH metabolite is monitored. Normal reporting limits for blood testing are 0.5-1 ng/mL for THC and 1-10 ng/mL for THC-COOH. In urine, labs typically only monitor THC-COOH with reporting limits for positive determination varying widely (5-300 ng/mL). The current scope of testing and screening and confirmation reporting limits offered by Axis Forensic Toxicology can be found in the online test catalog.
References
- Tetrahydrocannabinol. Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man. Twelfth Edition. Randall C. Baselt. Biomedical Publications. Pages 2041-2045. (2020).
- Cannabis. Principles of Forensic Toxicology. Fifth Edition. Marilyn A. Huestis, Barry S. Levine, Sarah Kerrigan. Springer Nature Switzerland AG. Pages 389-448 (2020).
- Published in Drug Classes
Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists (2020 – 2021)
by Kevin Shanks, M.S., D-ABFT-FT
Note: This is an excerpt of a presentation given to the LTG (London Toxicology Group) in June 2021.
![](https://axisfortox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/LTG_SCRAProducts-300x200.jpg)
Packages of SCRA products
Photograph by Kevin G. Shanks (2015)
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRA) are laboratory synthesized chemicals which bind to cannabinoid receptors in the human body. There are thousands of these compounds in existence and there is no way to discuss all of them, but since 2009, many of these compounds have been sold as ingredients in smoking blends and herbal incense/potpourri in the United States. Over the last several years, the government has enacted various pieces of legislation controlling these compounds as Schedule I controlled substances and, currently, there are 43 SCRA considered to be controlled substances. The prevalence of specific synthetic cannabinoids vary over time and new compounds routinely emerge and disappear.
![](https://axisfortox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/LTG_5CommonSCRA.jpg)
Chemical structures of 5 Common SCRA
Structures drawn by Kevin G. Shanks (2021)
According to data from the Center for Substance Abuse Research (CESAR) via quarterly Emerging Threats Reports (ETR), the prevalence of 5F-ADB and FUB-AMB have waned over the last couple of years, and the most prevalent compounds reported in 2020 were 5F-MDMB-PICA, followed by the MDMB-4en-PINACA and 4F-MDMB-BINACA. If you look at data from the National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS), compiled by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) via non-biological evidence seizure, for 2020, the most common SCRAs were 5F-MDMB-PICA, MDMB-4en-PINACA, and 4F-MDMB-BINACA.
![](https://axisfortox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/LTG_AxisSCRA2018-1024x703.jpg)
Detection of SCRA in Blood at Axis, 2018
Data compiled by Kevin G. Shanks (2021)
![](https://axisfortox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/LTG_AxisSCRA2019-1024x702.jpg)
Detection of SCRA in Blood at Axis, 2019
Data compiled by Kevin G. Shanks (2021)
![](https://axisfortox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/LTG_AxisSCRA2020-1024x702.jpg)
Detection of SCRA in Blood at Axis, 2020
Data compiled by Kevin G. Shanks (2021)
If we look at Axis Forensic Toxicology from the last few years, we can see that our data for postmortem toxicology mirrors what is reported by ETR and NFLIS. In 2018, 5F-ADB was the most prevalent SCRA (80.4% positivity in all sample tested for SCRA), while in 2019, 4F-MDMB-BINACA was the most prevalent compound (42.3% positivity). During 2020, the most prevalent compound reported in postmortem toxicology casework for synthetic cannabinoids testing was 5F-MDMB-PICA (60.0% positivity). During 2020, three compounds (5F-MDMB-PICA, 4F-MDMB-BINACA, and 5-ADB) accounted for 90+% of positive synthetic cannabinoid detections in blood samples tested.
![](https://axisfortox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/LTG_3EmergingSCRA.jpg)
Chemical structures of 3 Emerging SCRA
Structures drawn by Kevin G. Shanks (2021)
Recognizing this ever changing scope of testing, we must always look towards the future and we need to be aware of newly reported SCRA compounds. Some of these compounds include 4F-MDMB-BICA, ADB-BINACA, and ADB-HEXINACA. What more should we expect in the future? We should expect more of the same. The beat goes on and new compounds emerge. They become prevalent. They disappear. And then new compounds take the place of the old ones.
![](https://axisfortox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/LTG_SCRAPuzzlePieces.jpg)
The Puzzle Pieces of an SCRA
Image drawn by Kevin G. Shanks (2021)
Axis Forensic Toxicology continues to adapt SCRA testing to provide a relevant scope of analysis and aid in the medical-legal investigation of death and poisoning. For more information, the current scope of testing offered by Axis Forensic Toxicology can be found in the online test catalog (Order Code 42130, Synthetic Cannabinoid Panel, Blood).
If you would like a full copy of this presentation, please contact [email protected].
References
- Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists (2020 – 2021). K. Shanks. London Toxicology Group (LTG) Virtual Meeting. (2021).
- Synthetic Cannabinoids. Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man. Twelfth Edition. Randall C. Baselt. Biomedical Publications. Pages 1979-1986. (2020).
- Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists. Novel Psychoactive Substances: Classification, Pharmacology, and Toxicology. Paul Dargan and David Wood. Academic Press (Elsevier). 317-338. (2013).
- Axis Forensic Toxicology. Laboratory Data. Indianapolis, IN. (accessed July 2021).
- Published in Drug Classes
Drug Primer: Synthetic Cannabinoids
by Kevin Shanks, M.S., D-ABFT-FT
Synthetic cannabinoids are laboratory synthesized chemicals which bind to cannabinoid receptors in the human body. The JWH series of cannabinoids was developed by Dr. John Huffman at Clemson University. UR-144 is an Abbott Labs compound which was developed during investigational drug research. ADB-FUBINACA is a synthetic cannabinoid which was synthesized by Pfizer. Numerous synthetic cannabinoids, such as 4F-MDMB-BINACA and 5F-MDMB-PICA, exist, which have no formal history in academic or pharmaceutical industry research.
In the USA, since 2008-2009, synthetic cannabinoids have been sold as ingredients in herbal incense, potpourri, or smoking blends. Throughout the last decade, various waves of legislation have been passed by the Federal government classifying several synthetic cannabinoids as Schedule I controlled substances. There are currently 43 synthetic cannabinoid substances that are controlled at the Federal level in the USA. These substances have no recognized medicinal application. Each state has its own controlled substance laws and may vary according to their regional drug trends.
![](https://axisfortox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SyntheticCannabinoids_structure.jpg)
Chemical structures of 3 Synthetic Cannabinoids
Structure drawn by Kevin G. Shanks (2021)
Synthetic cannabinoids are cannabinoid receptor agonists. The cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is found primarily in the central nervous system and is responsible for mediating the psychoactive effects of cannabis and related-substances. Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is located in the peripheral nervous system, the spleen, and the immune system, and is thought to be involved in pain perception mediation and immunosuppression. Unlike delta-9-tetahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a partial agonist of CB1 and CB2 receptors, the majority of synthetic cannabinoids are considered to be full agonists of the receptors.
Pharmacokinetics such as blood elimination half-life and volumes of distribution are not known for these compounds. Most synthetic cannabinoids are biotransformed to hydroxylated or carboxylic acid metabolites. Reported effects of synthetic cannabinoid use or exposure include poor coordination, sedation, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia, agitation, delusions, paranoia, hallucinations, psychosis, and acute kidney injury. Fatalities have occurred after the use of these substances.
![](https://axisfortox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SyntheticCannabinoids_02_2021.jpg)
Detection of Synthetic Cannabinoids in Blood at Axis Forensic Toxicology, 2020.
Data Compiled by Kevin G. Shanks (2020).
As the prevalence of specific synthetic cannabinoids vary over time, the modern forensic toxicology laboratory should have a relevant scope of analysis. Typically only parent drugs are monitored in blood specimens, but some compounds require a metabolite be monitored in lieu of the parent drug. Detection limits for both parent drug and metabolite vary in biological matrices, but are generally 0.1 – 2 ng/mL. During 2020, three compounds (5F-MDMB-PICA, 4F-MDMB-BINACA, and 5-ADB) accounted for 90+% of positive synthetic cannabinoid detections in blood samples tested.
There current scope of testing offered by Axis Forensic Toxicology can be found in the online test catalog (Order Code 42130, Synthetic Cannabinoid Panel, Blood), and these compounds are detected by the Comprehensive Panel with Analyte Assurance™ (70510).
Axis Forensic Toxicology prides itself on its expertise in the field of novel psychoactive substances. Here are citations for papers published by Axis on the topic of synthetic cannabinoids:
- “Three Cases of Fatal Acrylfentanyl Toxicity in the United States and a Review of the Literature”, D.C. Butler, K. Shanks, G. Behonick, D. Smith, S.E. Presnell, L.M. Tormos. J Anal Tox. 42, e6-e11 (2018).
- “Synthetic Cannabinoid Product Surveillance by LC/ToF in 2013-2015”. K. Shanks, G. Behonick. J Forensic Toxicol Pharmacol, 4:3 (2016)
- “Death After Use of the Synthetic Cannabinoid 5F-AMB”. K. Shanks, G. Behonick. For Sci Int, 262, e21-e24 (2016)
- “Death Associated with the Use of the Synthetic Cannabinoid ADB-FUBINACA”. K. Shanks, W. Clark, G. Behonick. J Anal Tox, 40:3, 24-242 (2016)
- “Case Reports of Synthetic Cannabinoid XLR-11 Associated Fatalities”. K. Shanks, D. Winston, J. Heidingsfelder, G. Behonick. For Sci Int, 252, e6-e9 (2015)
- “Four Postmortem Case Reports with Quantitative Detection of the Synthetic Cannabinoid, 5F-PB-22”. G. Behonick, K. Shanks, D. Firchau, G. Mathur, C. Lynch, M. Nashelsky, D. Jaskierny, C. Meroueh. J Anal Tox, 38, 559-562 (2014)
- “Identification of Novel Third Generation Synthetic Cannabinoids in Products by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography and Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry”. K. Shanks, T. Dahn, G. Behonick, A. Terrell. J Anal Tox, 37: 517-525 (2013)
- “Detection of Synthetic Cannabinoids and Synthetic Stimulants in First and Second Generation Legal Highs by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography with Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (UPLC/ToF)”. K. Shanks, T. Dahn, G. Behonick, A. Terrell. J Anal Tox, 36: 360-371 (2012)
- “Detection of JWH-018 and JWH-073 by UPLC/MS/MS in postmortem whole blood casework”. K. Shanks, T. Dahn, A. Terrell. J Anal Tox, 36: 145-152 (2012)
If you would like a copy of these papers, please contact [email protected].
References
- Synthetic Cannabinoids. Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man. Twelfth Edition. Randall C. Baselt. Biomedical Publications. Pages 1979-1986. (2020).
- Tetrahydrocannabinol. Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man. Twelfth Edition. Randall C. Baselt. Biomedical Publications. Pages 2041-2045. (2020).
- Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists. Novel Psychoactive Substances: Classification, Pharmacology, and Toxicology. Paul Dargan and David Wood. Academic Press (Elsevier). 317-338. 2013).
- Axis Forensic Toxicology. Laboratory Data. Indianapolis, IN. (accessed April 23, 2021).
- Published in Drug Classes
Axis Experts to Present at Fall National Medical Examiner and Toxicology Conferences
By Denise Purdie Andrews
The life blood of advancing the science of forensic toxicology lies in the academic peer reviewed contributions of the field’s rank-in-file members. A variety of forums exist for a laboratory to share its experiences for the greater good. These include published full length journal manuscripts, case reports, and technical notes; additionally, sharing our experiences with colleagues from around the United States and the world is made possible by our participation in various meetings and scientific gatherings. Most often, these take the form of short oral platform presentations, poster sessions and contributions as workshop faculty speakers. The opportunity to do these things is only possible by the diligence, skilled professional competence, and effort of the laboratory as a team. We also acknowledge the collaboration we enjoy with our coroner and medical examiner clients.
![](https://axisfortox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Axis-Logo.png)
Axis Forensic Toxicology (2021)
https://axisfortox.com
We are pleased to announce that Axis Forensic Toxicology subject matter experts have had presentations accepted for national forensic toxicology and medical examiner conferences upcoming in the fall 2021.
Kevin Shanks, M.S., D-ABFT-FT will be presenting two poster presentations and one oral platform presentation on various topics including novel psychoactive substances (synthetic cannabinoids and metonitazene) at the Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) annual meeting in Nashville, TN in September 2021.
George Behonick, Ph.D., F-ABFT will be presenting a case report describing novel psychoactive substances (brorphine, flualprazolam, and metonitazene) in the setting of heroin and fentanyl at the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) annual meeting in West Palm Beach, FL in October 2021.
We hope you can attend these presentations.
Postmortem Toxicology in Kentucky: Looking Back at 2020
Kevin G. Shanks1, Dr. George S. Behonick1, and Dr. William Ralston2
1Axis Forensic Toxicology
2Kentucky Office of the Medical Examiner
The Ever-Changing Scope of Synthetic Cannabinoids in Toxicology Casework II (2016-2020)
Kevin G. Shanks1 and Dr. George S. Behonick1
1Axis Forensic Toxicology
Emergence of the Novel Opioid, Metonitazene, in Postmortem Toxicology and Detection by LC-QToF-MS
Kevin G. Shanks1*, Dr. George S. Behonick1, and Dr. Lisa K. Mannix2
1Axis Forensic Toxicology
2Butler County, Ohio Coroner’s Office
Case Report: Detection of Novel Psychoactive Drugs in the Context of Fentanyl and Heroin use
Dr. George S. Behonick1, Dr. Zhuo Wang2, Kevin G. Shanks1 and Merrilee Frey2
1Axis Forensic Toxicology
2Office of the Lake County Coroner, Crown Point, IN
If you would like a copy of these presentations, we can provide them after the conference dates. Please email us at [email protected].
The Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT), founded in 1970, is a professional organization for forensic toxicologists and chemists. The Society’s peer reviewed scientific journal is the Journal of Analytical Toxicology.
![](https://axisfortox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SOFT-LOGO.png)
Society of Forensic Toxicologists (2021)
http://www.soft-tox.org
The National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), founded in 1966, is a professional organization for medical examiners, forensic pathologists, and medical-legal affiliates and administrators. The Association’s peer reviewed scientific journal is The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology.
![](https://axisfortox.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/NAME-logo.jpg)
National Association of Medical Examiners (2021)
https://name.memberclicks.net
- Published in Announcements