The chief toxicologist for the Michigan State Police admits that there are errors in the process of testing blood samples but the lab still hides the error rate. Attorney Mike Nichols obtained an admission from Dr. Felix Adatsi on the witness stand at a hearing on July 16, 2010. Dr. Adatsi admitted that the simulated blood ethanol solutions that were used to validate two testing instruments when the instruments were purchased, have a range of accuracy according to the provider. That range of accuracy is not factored into the results reported by the toxicology lab. "We do not have an uncertainty budget," admitted Dr. Adatsi. Mike Nichols was dumbfounded by the testimony. "The scientific method takes a backseat to what is the most efficient way to convict people with what looks like science," said Nichols. Nichols added: "It makes me think of the Pinto or the Yugo." Expert witness Karl Ebner PhD testified that there are at least 13 sources of error that are not considered at all by the MSP lab. Many of those sources of error arise in any lab testing process -- a few are specific to the MSP lab. The attorneys must submit written arguments by September 3rd. District Court Judge, Peter Wadel will issue a written opinion following his review of the briefs.
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