Krotulski AJ
American Academy of Forensic Science- 2020 Conference MeetingIn this presentation the viewers will be able to identify the waves of the opiod crisis the United States is currently facing, and understand how outbreak investigations are conducted.
The first incidence discussed is from July 2018 in Philadelphia, PA and the surrounding suburbs like NJ. This outbreak involved an outbreak with a product called "Santa Muerte". It was believed that this was the last "uncontaminated" and "pure" heroin in the city. As a result of this there were massive amounts of overdoses reported in Philadelphia from July 20th to July 22nd, with overdoses estimating over 160. Following this naloxone was adminstered and patients were reported to be agitated and confused.
Timeline:
7/20: First overdose reported
7/24: Received and analyzed powder; results reported by EOB
7/26 and 7/27: Received biological samples and additional seized powder; results reported by end of next business day
The Santa Muerte samples were then prepared using acid-base extraction, and further analyzed with GC-MS and LC-QTOF-MS. The results were recorded positive for 5F-ADB, Fentanyl, and Heroin. While heroin was the primary component, all 15 Santa Muerte stamped exhibits received were found to contain the sample substances, in the same relative intensities.
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