NCJ Number
88836
Date Published
1981
Length
61 pages
Annotation
This discussion of toxicology covers the broad topics of collecting biological samples needed for analysis, methods of extraction of poisons from biological specimens, and the identification and quantitation of particular poisons.
Abstract
Types of samples are specified for collection from a living person, a dead body, and an exhumed body, which is the same as for a dead body with the addition of soil samples surrounding the coffin and any materials found in the coffin. The categories of methods of extraction of poisons from biological specimens include original methods (Stas, Stas-Otto, Dragendorff, and Dragendorff-Haines), precipitation methods, direct extraction, nonextraction methods, and other methods (steam distillation, fractional steam distillation, microdiffusion techniques, and dialysis). The identification and quantitation of particular poisons are discussed for particular volatile poisons or drugs (ethanol, methanol, Isopropanol, paraldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, carbon monoxide, cyanide, ethchlorvynol, phenol, and phosphorous) and anions (bromide, borate, fluoride, and oxalate). Also described are thin-layer chromatography and gas chromatography screening for weak acids, neutrals, and basic drugs, as well as radioimmunoassay for drugs of abuse. Analyses are discussed for strong acids, weak acids, neutrals, tranquilizers, basic drugs, narcotic drugs, hallucinogenic drugs, and heavy metals. A total of 260 notes and a glossary are provided.