NCJ Number
186840
Journal
Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal Volume: 33 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2000 Pages: 145-149
Date Published
September 2000
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This case study focuses on the usefulness of n-propanol for identifying the postmortem neo-formation of ethanol due to microbial action either postmortem in the body or from improper storage or preservation of the biological sample; the study arose from recognition that neo-formation of ethanol is a common problem in forensic toxicology.
Abstract
The case took place in Canada and involved a suicidal fall. The postmortem blood sample collected from the victim was placed in a jar without preservative. In addition, a urine sample was collected and placed in a tube that contained at least 1 percent sodium fluoride as preservative. The Center of Forensic Sciences in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, received the samples 19 days later. The storage conditions of these samples were unknown; however, the transit of the samples took place in late summer. The analysis of the blood and urine samples for ethanol used headspace gas chromatography according to the method of Machata. Results revealed that the ethanol concentration in the blood was 96 milligrams per deciliter and that the urine contained no ethanol. The blood sample also contained 4 milligrams per deciliter of n-propanol. Findings illustrated the usefulness of n-propanol as an indicator of neo-formation of ethanol. However, n-propanol should not be used as an internal standard for postmortem ethanol analysis unless previous screening for it has taken place. Table, figure, and 14 references (Author abstract modified)