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TOXICOLOGY LABORATORY TRAINING MANUAL - OVERVIEW The Institutes employee training program is established in Training Programs found in the Quality Manual. All new employees and newly assigned employees must complete an applicable training program which is documented using training checklists. The training checklist should be completed by the trainee and trainer throughout the training process with input and guidance of the Supervisor and/or Section Chief. The checklist and associated instrument documents will be submitted to the Quality Manager. I. Toxicology Chemist II

The goal of the Toxicology Chemist II training program is as follows: Establish proficiency in all types of analyses and instrumental techniques performed by the Laboratory Develop an understanding of the analytical techniques used Develop proficiency in the basic operation, troubleshooting and repair of instrumentation Select appropriate specimen for analysis Appropriately apply analytical procedures for the accurate analysis of specimen routinely submitted to the Laboratory Produce a properly documented case file Effectively evaluate instrumental output and results of standard and quality control samples Effectively communicate analytical procedures and results of analysis Participate in technical case review Seek supervisory assistance in an appropriate manner

The Toxicology Procedure Manual including training notes and selected reference material form the basis of the training program. The analyst is referred to the Section Administrative Manual for information regarding the Sections procedure for receiving off-site training. The training process for the Toxicology Chemist II is divided into three stages: Stage 1 - Basic Training Stage 1 training includes developing proficiency in a core set of analysis that all Toxicology Chemists are expected to perform and completing required technical training regarding instrumentation, specimen preparation, and postmortem toxicology. The core set of analyses learned in this stage of training includes the alkaline and acid/neutral drug screens, alcohols and acetone, carboxyhemoglobin, and electrolytes assays. Proficiency with this core set of analyses must be demonstrated prior to completion of the probationary period (6 months) and is usually completed within two to three months depending upon the experience of the employee. In addition to these analyses, each toxicologist must complete required technical training encompassing instrument theory and operation, instrument maintenance, basic principles in postmortem toxicology, and specimen selection and preparation. At the conclusion of Stage 1
Dallas County Institute of Forensic Sciences Toxicology Training Manual 1 Training Overview Version 2.0

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training, each employee demonstrates competency through a written exam and/or moot court. Refer to the Stage 1 Checklist for details of this portion of the training program. Stage 2 In Stage 2 training, the Toxicology Chemist II is trained in screening procedures including the ELISA (enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay) and the FPIA (fluorescence polarization immunoassay). They also receive training in more advanced GC/MS data analysis and data acquisition for both selected ion monitoring and full scan modes. Completion of Stage 2 should be completed within nine months of the employees start date and will begin immediately after completion of Stage 1. Upon successful completion of Stage 2, the Toxicology Chemist II will be proficient in performing and evaluating most types of analyses performed by the Laboratory and will begin participating as a technical/peer reviewer for the techniques in which they have demonstrated competency. Refer to the Stage 2 Checklist for details of this portion of the training program. Stage 3 Stage 3 encompasses the ongoing training that occurs throughout the career of the Toxicology Chemist II. As applicable, the analyst is trained in other remaining assays offered by the Toxicology Laboratory. As the level of experience and training continues to expand, the employee will expand participation in technical/peer review, case management, instrument troubleshooting and repair, and methods development. The Toxicology Chemist II should have responsibility for at least one special assay within one year of the start date of employment. Refer to the Stage 3 Checklist for details of this portion of the training program.

II.

Toxicology Chemist III

The goal of the Toxicology Chemist III training program is as follows: Demonstrate competence at the Toxicology Chemist II level; refer to the Toxicology Chemist II Checklist Develop proficiency in interpretation of toxicology results including effects on performance and toxicity Develop proficiency in applicable principles of pharmacology including extrapolation of alcohol results Effectively communicate analytical procedures, results of analysis, and interpretation of results Develop expertise as expert witness Develop skills in advanced instrument troubleshooting and repair

The Toxicology Chemist III position must successfully demonstrate competence beyond the Toxicology Chemist II level prior to the completion of the probationary period. The initial training for the Toxicology Chemist III includes required technical training regarding the effects of alcohol and drugs and how they relate to toxicity, performance, and driving. The Toxicology
Dallas County Institute of Forensic Sciences Toxicology Training Manual 2 Training Overview Version 2.0

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Chemist III also receives training in basic pharmacology and its application in extrapolating alcohol results. Once trained, the Toxicology Chemist III will have primary responsibility for the legal alcohol/drug screen program in the Toxicology Laboratory including analytical work, interpretation of analytical results, and applicable testimony in a court of law. The Toxicology Chemist III serves as an assistant supervisor providing leadership and oversight of Laboratory operation as directed by the Supervisor and/or Section Chief. Training should be completed within one year of hire; competency is evaluated using a written examination and moot court. Refer to the Toxicology Chemist III Checklist for details of this training program. III. Toxicology Supervisor

The Toxicology Supervisor must demonstrate proficiency at the Toxicology Chemist III level. In addition, the supervisor will receive applicable training in policies and procedures of Dallas County and other management skills training. Training documentation is retained by the Quality Manager.

Dallas County Institute of Forensic Sciences Toxicology Training Manual

Training Overview Version 2.0