Non Technical Summary
Samples are submitted from state and local agencies involving cases of suspected animal poisonings. Extraction and analysismethods vary with sample type but flexibility is often important. Analytical findings are reported back to the submitting agency ina timely manner to assist in the closing of investigations and to promote overall public health and safety.

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
315	5220	2000	100%

Knowledge Area
315 - Animal Welfare/Well-Being and Protection;

Subject Of Investigation
5220 - Pesticides;

Field Of Science
2000 - Chemistry;

Goals / Objectives
Test autopsy specimens and related samples in cases of suspected poisonings of domestic and wild animals, including cats,dogs, birds, fish and farm animals.

Project Methods
The methods of analysis vary with sample type and analyte request. Water samples are subjected to solid phase extraction priorto volume reduction and solvent exchange. Analysis is typically by simultaneous gas chromatography with mass spectrometry(GC-MS) or liquid chromatography with MS detection. Tissue or other solid samples are subjected to an organic solvent basedextraction procedure called quechers, followed by simultaneous GC-MS and LC-MS analysis. Volatile organic chemicals can bedetected by solid phase microextraction followed by GC-MS analysis. Occassionally specific analytes will be requested andmodified or new extraction and analytical methods will be developed and validated.