Evaluation of New and Nobel Direct Sample Introduction, Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Instrument for Postmortem Toxicology Screening

The objective of this award is to evaluate the applicability of the direct analysis real time (DART), time of flight mass spectrometer (AccuTOF'-DART') technology to postmortem toxicology analyses. Specifically, the applicant will evaluate the instrument's performance as a screening technology for detecting toxicologically relevant drugs and toxins; develop sample preparatory techniques for urine and blood; and obtain an initial assessment of the technology's applicability to challenging sample types such as dried blood, decomposition fluids, and partially decomposed tissues and hair. ca/ncf