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The laboratory tests for inhalants in both blood and urine.
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Inhalant testing for urine cases should be requested in the case comments section upon submission.
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The biological sample can be placed in any type of evidence container (bottle or gray topped tube).
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The most common inhalant the laboratory detects and reports out is Difluoroethane.
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Some examples of inhalants the laboratory detects are: *Sevoflurane, Methanol, Toluene & Acetone.
*Sevoflurane is an anesthetic and may be given to a subject by medical personnel.
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Inhalants detected on a person’s breath may cause an “INTERFERENCE DETECTED” response from the DataMaster.
General Information:
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Inhalants are common household products people inhale to get a high.
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There are over a 1,000 readily available inhalant products.
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For the most part, inhalants are cheap, legal and easy to acquire.
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There is a high potential for abuse since inhalants are so easy to obtain.
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Effects of inhalant use and/or abuse can be irreversible and may cause death, even on the first try.
Two main Inhalant groups and examples:
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Aerosols (sprays) – (household products):
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Hair spray, deodorant, vegetable oil sprays & fabric protector sprays
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Computer cleaning products (“Dustoff” and equivalent products)
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Volatile Solvents (liquids) – (business and household items):
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Gasoline, liquid in markers, glue, paint thinner, correction fluids & degreasers
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Inhalants are used by:
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Sniffing - inhaling vapors from an open container
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Huffing - soaking a cloth with a substance & placing it over the mouth and nose
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Dusting - inhaling vapors directly from aerosols
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Bagging - placing an inhalant substance into a bag and inhaling the vapors by placing the bag over the face or head
Suggested Inhalant information websites:
National Inhalant Prevention Coalition Website
Teens experience in documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=392jFOsvpoQ