When
it comes to detecting substance abuse, urinalysis remains to be the
tool of choice by forensic toxicologists. Recent improvements in drug
tests may soon accurately separate positive cases of heroin use from
false-positive ones, wherein individuals have only ingested poppy
seeds and not taken an illegal drug. These false-positive cases have
presented problems to authorities because of the possibility that
drug users may only be using the “poppy seed defense” to their
advantage.
The
term relates to how people can test positive for heroin abuse simply
by consuming pastries made using poppy seeds. Depending on the
quantity of seeds consumed, a person may test positive even up to 60
hours after ingesting the food containing poppy seeds.
While
there are some claims that poppy seed ingestion do not make
false-positive results in hair tests, forensic specialists have
doubts as to its accuracy. This is why urinalysis remains the top
choice when it comes to detecting substance use.
Should
subsequent studies regarding the use of effective markers for street
heroin prove successful, forensic
toxicologists will be able to provide an expert opinion
regarding a person’s alleged heroin use based on the chemicals
found on the urine sample. Such professionals can help a defense or
plaintiff attorney with accurate medical assessments regarding the
sobriety or condition of the individual in question.
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