Lab Results from Vaping Device at MCHS Test Negative For Controlled Substances

Preliminary results from the Indiana State Police Toxicology Lab were negative.

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(Madison, Ind.) - Preliminary lab results show no controlled substances in vaping devices to this point.

While final reports are still pending from the State Board of Health, preliminary results from the Indiana State Police Toxicology Lab were negative for any controlled substances in the vape devices sent for testing. The most recent device, which was confiscated last week, arrived at the lab on Friday, February 21, 2020. Results on this device are pending.

On Tuesday morning, February 25, 2020, the devices confiscated from recent MCHS vaping incidents were transferred by law enforcement from the Indiana State Police Toxicology Lab to the Indiana State Board of Health Lab for further analysis of ingredients. “We are relieved by the news of the preliminary findings,” states Jacob McVey, SRO and district School Safety Coordinator. “While we are still concerned at the number of students using these devices, we are relieved to know there are no controlled or illegal substances contained in any of the evidence we sent for testing. The latest device, confiscated last week, was delivered on Friday and we expect those results to be included in the final report from the state.”

The investigation into recent illnesses at MCHS is still ongoing. The school is waiting for the final report from the State Board of Health laboratory which is conducting further analysis of the ingredients contained in the confiscated devices. McVey continues, “while we know there is nothing illegal contained in (or added to) the devices we sent for testing, we want to know what we are looking at as far as ingredients go. Our intent is to share with our students, families, and community a list of the ingredients contained in the vaping devices these kids are using - we want them to know exactly what they are choosing to ingest into their bodies.”

The school has utilized a number of available resources at the local and state level to expedite the testing process. “We are very grateful to our SRO’s, City of Madison, Prosecutor David Sutter, and the Indiana State Police resources,” shares Dr. Jeff Studebaker, Superintendent. “We have had an incredible amount of support from around the state on this matter from the Department of Homeland Security and IDOE School Safety administrators. Officials from all over have reached out offering assistance, hoping to work together to share information and learn more about our processes which may help others who may be dealing with the same situations in their hometowns.”

The testing process on these devices has been two-fold. First, the devices were hand-delivered to the Indiana State Police Toxicology Lab as part of the law enforcement investigation. At the toxicology lab, devices were tested for controlled, or illegal, substances that may have been added to the devices that were confiscated as part of the local investigation. The second step is with the State Board of Health Lab where the devices will be further analyzed for the specific ingredients contained in the various types of devices. “We feel that each step of this process is necessary, not only for investigative purposes but also for educational purposes.” McVey shares. “Our hope is once we can list the ingredients in these vaping devices, everyone will take notice of what they are putting in their bodies and make an informed choice to seek help to quit using these dangerous devices.”

Once the final results have been received, we will provide another update. At this time, we do not have a timeline on when those will be available.