This is beginning level scientific work performing analyses of body tissues and fluids to determine the presence of toxic materials in specimens received in the laboratory of the county Medical Examiner or other county toxicology laboratory.

Employees in this class perform quantitative and qualitative chemical, physical chemical and instrumental chemical analyses requiring combined knowledge of basic principles and theory, and the fundamental techniques and methods of analytical chemistry. Work is performed in accordance with recognized theory, principles and techniques of analytical toxicology. Supervision is received from a technical supervisor who assists in resolving special problems and reviews work for completeness, accuracy and effective court presentations.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Performs qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses of urine, blood, ocular fluid, stomach contents, bile, and other tissues for the presence and quantity of drugs, and various chemicals and their metabolites.

Utilizes techniques including liquid-liquid extractions, liquid-solid extractions, UV/Visible spectrophotometry, colorimetry, gas-liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, radioimmunoassay, enzyme multiplied immunoassay, and thin-layer chromatrography.

Assists technical superiors in developing and refining laboratory procedures and special analytical techniques, and assists supervisors in the interpretation and evaluation of toxicological requests and results.

Provides limited expert testimony in a court of law regarding tests performed.

Prepares reagents, standards, and controls to be used in qualitative and quantitative analyses.

Maintains quality assurance logs in accordance with acceptable laboratory quality control procedures.

Performs routine and basic instrumental maintenance.

Prepares and submits formatted reports of analytical findings including standard curve calculations utilizing linear regression analysis and written summaries of data.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge of the science of Chemistry including the principles, methods and techniques of analyzing the composition of substances.

Knowledge of laboratory procedures used in the performance of chemical and instrumental chemical analyses utilizing a variety of scientific techniques.

Knowledge of basic scientific principles and practices of analytical and organic Chemistry, Toxicology, Pharmacology, Mathematics and Physics.

Some knowledge of the basic investigative techniques, laboratory controls and sampling theory used in chemical research, experimentation, analysis and synthesis.

Ability to apply scientific and technical knowledge with accuracy and professional judgment in the completion of laboratory tests and examinations.

Ability to accurately perform inorganic, organic, physical, biochemical and analytical chemical procedures.

Ability to prepare and submit accurate and complete reports of laboratory findings, and to effectively verbalize test results.

Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.

Skill in laboratory manipulative techniques and the operation of basic and sophisticated laboratory equipment.

REV. 5-86