NCJ Number
190857
Journal
Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2001 Pages: 54-56
Date Published
June 2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This study investigates carbon-monoxide poisoning in six young drug addicts as the result of indoor use of a gasoline-powered generator.
Abstract
For all victims, an external body examination was carried out and blood and urine samples collected. Blood carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) was performed using an automated visible spectrophotometric analysis. Blood-alcohol level quantification was performed using gas chromatography and drug screening in urine was performed by a one-step manual qualitative immunochromatography for benzoylecgonine (the main metabolite of cocaine in urine), morphine, cannabinoids, and d-methamphetamine. In all victims, the COHb value was as high or higher than 65 percent. No alcohol was found in blood samples, but urine samples were positive for methamphetamine, cocaine, and cannabis in five cases and for opiates in one case. In four victims, the urine sample was positive for at least three drugs. The study concluded that the availability and accuracy of rapid toxicological screening was an important tool for the medical examiner at the immediate scene of a clinical forensic examination. Table, references