Forensic Toxicology

Forensic Toxicology

Introduction

Forensic toxicology is the use of analytical chemistry pharmacology, clinical chemistry and the toxicology itself to support the authorized and remedial examination and investigation of cases like death, drugged, poisoning or any other case of similar type. The basic concern of the forensic toxicology is not the legal result of the toxicological investigation, but, it is the acquiring and analysis of the results of the particular case. The toxicological examination can be done to several different types of samples. Many toxic substances do not create any laceration, and if the toxic response is alleged then the visual investigation only may not be sufficient. Other then the above mentioned substances the forensic toxicology, may also involve the substances like gases, blood and other fluids.

Discussion

The forensic toxicologist must keep in mind the background of the investigation and the main reasons that why the investigation is being conducted. This background may include any physical signs that has been recorded and provided to the forensic toxicologist. Apart from this the toxicologist may also consider any evidences that have been provided to him or her collected from the crime scene and the site of the incident. These evidences may include bottles of the sleeping or other pills, powders, residue of the trace and any other chemicals. After the deep analysis of the above mentioned substances and the information provided, the toxicologist should examine the amount and quantity of the substance inside the subject and the impact of those substances on the subject (NIJ, 2012).

Types of Forensic Toxicology

There are several types of forensic toxicology that are used to investigate different types of the case and situations. These types include the cold case investigation which entails the homicides and sexual battering and stabbing, the crime scene examination which entails the in-depth analysis of the site where the incident took place, the death investigation, this is the investigation of the body of the subject being killed, murdered or committed suicide. The fire and arson investigation which includes the examination of the burn injuries and wounds plus the investigation of the burnt bodies and the place that was on fire (ABFT, 2013).

Methods in Forensic Toxicology

Measurement of Alcohol in Blood

The most common area of work in the forensic toxicology in past few years has been the measurement of alcohol in the blood. In the consumption of the alcohol, the most cases that are needs tot be investigated are of the drivers been drunk while driving, which in turn cause the accidents and sometimes also the casualties. There are ways to investigate the amount of alcohol in the blood, but, the most preferred methods are breathing method, which is also safe and efficient enough. Today, due to the advance technology, the new method for the same test has been somehow replaced by the newer fuel cell variety, followed by both infra red breath analyzers (Peters, 2010).

Analysis of Organs, Tissues and Body Fluids

This are of forensic toxicology entails in it the examination of the body ...