NCJ Number
226522
Journal
Problems of Forensic Sciences Volume: 74 Dated: 2008 Pages: 173-181
Date Published
2008
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The main purpose of this research was to validate the HPLC-APCI-MS (high performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry) technique in the analysis of compounds that act similarly to ethyl alcohol and assess its usefulness for identifying benzydamine (BZ) in blood for forensic purposes.
Abstract
Since substances that contain BZ are consumed in order to evoke states similar to narcotic states, there are grounds for testing for this compound in the blood of drivers suspected of driving under the influence of an intoxicant. The analytical procedures described in this paper determined the concentration of BZ in blood in accordance with forensic toxicology requirements. Although BZ was detected in the blood of a driver stopped by the police for reckless driving, at trial the judge did not consider the BZ evidence because it was not on the list of intoxicating and psychotropic substances, even though it has effects similar to alcohol and hallucinogenic substances when consumed orally. The driver was still convicted, however, because of the detection of 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta9-tetrohydrocannabinol (THC-COOH), a chemical in marijuana, detected in his blood in a concentration of 66 ng/ml (to the -1 power). The descriptions of materials and methods address the case description, materials used, equipment, liquid-liquid extraction, the HPLC-APCI-MS procedure, and the drawing up of the calibration curve. The validation method is also described. 2 tables, 5 figures, and 13 references