{"id":3115,"date":"2025-09-03T14:53:36","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T18:53:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/?page_id=3115"},"modified":"2025-09-03T16:50:52","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T20:50:52","slug":"toxicology-testing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/survivor-support\/the-first-five-days\/toxicology-testing\/","title":{"rendered":"Toxicology Testing After Suspected Drugging or Sexual Assault"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you suspect that you have been <\/span><b>drugged<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as part of a sexual assault or another crime, it is important to understand the constraints of <\/span><b>toxicology testing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Toxicology tests can detect the presence of drugs or alcohol in your system, which may help confirm what happened and support any legal actions you may choose to take. However, many substances leave your body as quickly as you stop feeling the effects. This means that even if your toxicology screen comes back negative, that does not necessarily mean you were not drugged.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here&#8217;s everything you need to know about <\/span><b>toxicology testing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, what to expect, and the resources available to you in <\/span><b>Boston, MA<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What is Toxicology Testing?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toxicology testing is a medical procedure where <\/span><b>urine<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>blood<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or other bodily fluids are tested for the presence of drugs, alcohol, or other substances. This testing is important because certain substances used in sexual assault or <\/span><b>drug-facilitated crimes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can leave your system quickly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Why is Toxicology Testing Important?<\/b><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Confirming suspected drugging<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If you believe that you were drugged during the assault, toxicology testing can detect drugs such as <\/span><b>GHB<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>ketamine<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>rohypnol<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or other substances commonly used in drug-facilitated sexual assaults.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Legal evidence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The results of a toxicology test can serve as evidence if you decide to pursue a <\/span><b>criminal case<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Medical care<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Identifying the presence of drugs or alcohol can help medical providers offer the right care, including treatments for poisoning or drug-related side effects.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>When Should You Get Tested?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you suspect that you were <\/span><b>drugged<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it is essential to get <\/span><b>toxicology testing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as soon as possible. Substances used in drugging may leave the body <\/span><b>within hours<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014often within 12 hours\u2014so the sooner you get tested, the more likely it is that the drugs will be detected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s a breakdown of <\/span><b>time sensitivity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Immediate Testing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If you feel you have been drugged, <\/span><b>seek medical care immediately<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Early testing increases the chances of detecting the substances used.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Within 24 Hours<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Testing within the first 24 hours is most effective for detecting drugs such as GHB and ketamine.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Up to 5 Days<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Some substances may still be detectable within <\/span><b>5 days<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, depending on the substance and the test used.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>How to Get Toxicology Testing in Boston<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can access toxicology testing through any hospital emergency department, where <\/span><b>Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help collect the necessary samples (urine, blood, etc.) and send them for analysis. We often recommend BU students go to Beth Israel, however, the following hospitals in <\/span><b>Boston, MA<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, also provide SANE services and toxicology testing:<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Hospitals Offering Toxicology Testing in Boston:<\/b><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Massachusetts General Hospital<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Located on the Red Line from MIT)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Boston Children\u2019s Hospital<\/b><span> (For individuals under 21)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Boston Medical Center<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Brigham &amp; Women\u2019s Hospital<\/strong><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>CHA Cambridge Hospital<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul><\/ul>\n<ul><\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you arrive at the hospital, tell the intake coordinator that you suspect you\u2019ve been drugged or sexually assaulted. They will guide you through the process and connect you with the necessary care, including toxicology testing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>What Happens During Toxicology Testing?<\/b><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Urine Test<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A urine sample is often taken to test for drugs such as <\/span><b>GHB<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>rohypnol<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><b>benzodiazepines<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Blood Test<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Blood may be drawn to test for alcohol levels or other drugs that are harder to detect in urine.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>Can You Test Anonymously?<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, you can request testing to be done <\/span><b>anonymously<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This means that your personal details do not need to be connected to the toxicology test results if you choose not to report the incident to the police at that time. However, if you later decide to pursue legal action, the evidence may be used.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Your Rights Regarding Toxicology Testing<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Confidentiality<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: All tests and results are confidential. If you go through the hospital&#8217;s <\/span><b>SANE program<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, your personal information is kept private.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>You Do Not Have to Report to Police<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: You can have toxicology testing done <\/span><b>without reporting<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to the police. The decision to report is completely up to you. If you choose to report, the evidence can be used in a criminal investigation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Costs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The state of Massachusetts covers the cost of <\/span><b>forensic exams and toxicology testing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for sexual assault survivors. You do not have to worry about any medical bills related to testing, and you do not need to use your health insurance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Support Services Available<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are considering toxicology testing or need support after being sexually assaulted, several organizations can help guide you through the process:<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>BU Resources<\/b><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Survivor Advocacy Response and Prevention Center (SARP) Advocacy Line (617-353-7277) available 24\/7\/365 for support and guidance around evidence collection, safety planning and other advocacy needs.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note: For emotional support, please call the BM hotline at 617-353-3569<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>Local Resources<\/b><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/barcc.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Phone: <\/span><b>617-492-7273<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><b>800-841-8371<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A 24-hour confidential hotline offering support and resources for survivors of sexual assault.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rainn.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>RAINN (Rape, Abuse &amp; Incest National Network)<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Phone: <\/span><b>1-800-656-HOPE (4673)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Offers confidential support from trained staff, including resources for toxicology testing and information on what to do next.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>National Domestic Violence Hotline<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Phone: <\/span><b>1-800-799-7233<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Provides support for individuals experiencing abuse or violence, with a focus on connecting survivors to resources and help.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>Supportive Legal Resources<\/b><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/victimrights.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Victim Rights Law Center (Boston)<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Provides free legal assistance to survivors of sexual assault, including help navigating your rights related to toxicology testing and criminal cases.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Final Thoughts:<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you suspect that you were drugged or sexually assaulted, <\/span><b>toxicology testing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can\u00a0 help in confirming your experience and supporting your healing process. It\u2019s essential to act as soon as possible but know that <\/span><b>support is available<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at every stage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, you <\/span><b>have the right to decide<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> how you want to proceed\u2014whether it\u2019s seeking medical care, collecting evidence, reporting to the police, or taking time to process what happened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you need help or have questions, don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to one of the support resources listed above. You don\u2019t have to go through this alone.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you suspect that you have been drugged as part of a sexual assault or another crime, it is important to understand the constraints of toxicology testing. Toxicology tests can detect the presence of drugs or alcohol in your system, which may help confirm what happened and support any legal actions you may choose to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23490,"featured_media":0,"parent":3105,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3115"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23490"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3115"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3115\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3161,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3115\/revisions\/3161"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3105"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/shs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3115"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}