Setting the Bar: Inside the National DUID Testing Recommendations with Amanda D’Orazio

In this episode of Impairment Perspectives, host Joey Jones sits down with forensic toxicologist Amanda D’Orazio of NMS Labs for a conversation about the evolving world of drug-impaired driving toxicology. Amanda shares her path into forensic toxicology, her work helping shape national DUID testing recommendations, and the importance of standardizing drug testing practices across laboratories.

The discussion explores how consensus recommendations are developed, why evolving drug trends require continual updates, and how emerging substances such as nitrous oxide create new challenges for law enforcement, laboratories, and expert witnesses. Amanda also reflects on career growth, collaboration within the forensic science community, and the real-world demands of communicating toxicology findings in court.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at the intersection of science, policy, and public safety through the perspective of a scientist helping guide the future of impairment testing.