It has recently been reported that a hair sample analysis taken from the accuser, involved with the Duke lacrosse team rape scandal, was negative for any date rape drug.
Drug testing can be done using either blood, urine, saliva, or hair. With date rape drugs such as GHB, Rohypnol, or ketamine, time is of the essence when taking blood or urine samples. These drugs are metabolized by the body very quickly.
We try to obtain a first voided urine sample during the SAFE exam if drug facilated sexual assault is suspected. Toxicology testing of hair samples can show up to six months of drug use. In the case of a one time suspected ingestion, it can be done about a month later. The most recent national protocol discourages any toxicology testing unless there is a suspicion of drug facilitated sexual assault or extreme intoxication.
Point of View
First of all, I've questioned the apparent lack of memory loss on the part of the accuser from the beginning when it was suggested that she may have been a victim of a date rape drug. Although each person can react differently to any drug, the amnesia produced by these drugs is pretty acute. It's not usually a matter of a person's memory just being a bit fuzzy. It's usually a matter of not remembering anything at all past that first drink.
The typical scenerio is that a patient will come in saying she woke up in a strange place, not knowing where she was, how she got there, or what, if anything, had happened. Of the patients I've had, where GHB was suspected, they usually just gave me blank looks when I asked them questions. They could remember before taking a drink or two but not after.
The second question I have is why was a hair sample tested? Although it's considered to be very accurate, that's not the usual protocol. Why wasn't a toxicology test done in the beginning, while the accuser was still at the hospital? Since she was seen shortly after the alleged rape, it was certainly within the allowed time frame before the drug would have been metabolized.
According to the NC protocol, toxicology tests are to be done only if the nurse suspects drug facilitated sexual assault. I ask my patients straight out. Were you given any drugs or alcohol? It's one of our standard questions. I can only assume [I hate that word] that the Durham hospital SAFE nurse did the same. If there is no reason, during the exam, to suspect drug faciliated sexual assault, then a toxicology sample is not sent.
Drugs: 
GHB (gamma hydroxybutyric acid), Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) and Ketamine (ketamine hydrochloride) are among the most commonly used date rape drugs today. Date rape drugs are used to facilitate sexual assault. They render a victim physically helpless, unable to refuse sex, usually unconscious and subsequently unable to recall any of the sexual assault while drugged.
GHB:
- GHB comes in a clear, odorless liquid or pill form
- Has a salty taste to it
- Put in drinks to cover salty taste
- Has calming, euphoric effect
- Takes effect in about 15 minutes
- Renders victim unconscious
- Effects lasts for hours
- Effects: decreased inhibitions, deep unresponsive sleep, respiratory arrest, nausea, convulsions, amnesia, and loss of consciousness
- Street names: GHB, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, Grievous Bodily Harm, GBH, Georgia Home Boy, Liquid G, Cherry Meth, Easy Lay
- When mixed with alcohol, can become fatal
- Recently made legal in the U.S.. to treat narcolepsy
Rohypnol:
- Has been used as a sleeping pill in other countries
- Comes in pill form
- Colorless, tasteless, odorless
- Newer pills will turn blue in liquids
- Takes effect in about 15 minutes to one hour
- Effects can last up to 8 hours
- Effects: visual disturbance, drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, motion difficulty, respiratory depression and amnesia.
- Street names: Roofies, Roach, R-2, Mind Erasers
- It is not legal in the U.S.
Ketamine:
- A fast acting anesthetic
- Has a euphoric effect
- Comes in a white powder or in liquid form
- Effects: distorts sense of balance, time judgement and ability to communicate, blurred vision, numbness, disorientation, trembling, hallucinations, amnesia, convulsions, respiratory depression and loss of consciousness.
- Dangerous in combination with alcohol
- Effects can last from 4-6 hours; many don't recover from effects for up to 48 hours
- Street names: Special K, Ket, K, Vitamin K, Kit Kat, Keller, Super C
- Is legal in the U.S. as an anesthetic for humans and animals
These drugs are easily slipped into food and drinks and are virtually undetectable. They cause the victim to become unconscious and to have no clear memory of anything that occurred during anywhere from an 8-12 hour period after ingestion. These drugs are readily absorbed by the body and disappears within 12 hours, so it is important to have a urine specimen taken soon after ingestion.
Protecting Yourself
- Never go to parties alone
- Friends watch out for each other
- Never accept drinks from strangers
- Never exchange drinks
- Never leave your drink unattended or turn your back
- Never leave a bar or party with someone you just met
- When in bars or clubs, always get your drink directly from the bartender
- At a party only accept drinks in closed containers
- Do not drink from open drink sources such as punch bowls
- Keep your eyes and ears open at all times
omg.. good work, bro
Posted by: Unumpipunny | May 07, 2008 at 11:15 AM