Read the September 2022 issue of CFTN
Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS) are metabolites of ethanol used in clinical and forensic settings to detect recent exposure to alcohol. Measurement of alcohol biomarkers complements self-reported alcohol consumption and is indicated for substance use disorder management, pretransplant candidacy, and relicensure, e.g., after intoxicated driving. Although measurement of EtG and EtS is gaining acceptance in clinical and forensic settings, there are some significant limitations that laboratories and end users should recognize, including the inability to distinguish between recent light alcohol consumption vs distant heavy drinking.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid prescribed for the management of severe pain. Recent studies suggest a surge of novel fentanyl analogs in the global heroin supply has caused unprecedented spikes in opioid overdose deaths. The capability of the diagnostic assay to detect common fentanyl analogs is therefore pivotal to the identification of overdoses caused by fentanyl analogs.
This year’s AACC Annual Scientific Meeting, held July 2022 in Chicago, Illinois, had a rich and diverse portfolio of toxicology-related sessions. These sessions provided practical and novel information for the novice and the expert toxicologists alike.
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