Authors

Kari M. Midthun^1*, Brandon N. Nelson¹, Frederick G. Strathmann², Thom Browne³ and Barry K. Logan

Affiliations

1. NMS Labs, Horsham, PA, United States,

2. MOBILion Systems, Inc., Chadds Ford, PA, United States,

3. Colombo Plan Secretariat, Colombo, Sri Lanka,

4. Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, PA, United States

Abstract

In utero drug exposure is a significant public health threat to the well-being and normal development of the neonate. Recently, testing of umbilical cord tissue (UCT) has been employed to measure illicit drug exposure, as drugs used by the mother during the third trimester may be retained in the UCT. Focus has also been given to potential adverse health effects among drug users, resulting from exposure to pharmacologically active adulterants and cutting agents in the street drug supply.

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