What does the forensic toxicology lab do?
- detects drugs and poisons
What are the 4 goals of a forensic toxicologist?
- establishing cause of death
- provide basis for intoxicated behaviour
- provide clues to clinical history
- assist in establishing the truth of statements
What type of cases do forensic toxicology deal with?
- murder, attempted murder, manslaughter
- physical and sexual assault
- impaired driving
- poisoning, noxious substances
- food and product tampering
- parole and probations violations
How do Forensic Toxicologists analyze specimen? (5 steps)
- select biological specimen (blood, urine)
- extract compounds using analytical chemistry
- separate compounds using analytical chemistry
- quantitate drugs/poison based on metabolites
What are 7 questions used for forensic toxicology interpretation?
- when was the last does taken?
- was it acute or chronic?
- how was it taken?
- what was the level at an earlier time?
- what symptoms are present?
- is the level therapeutic, toxic, fatal?
- how much was taken?
List and describe the 2 types of drug dependence
- psychological dependence
- underlying emotional need
- fun, escapism, relief - physical dependence
- physiological changes
- withdrawal symptoms when stopping
- leads to addiction
List examples of narcotics. Describe its physical effects
- heroin, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, fentanyl, carfentanil
- depress CNS, sleepiness, sense of well-being, pain relief, physical and psychological dependence
List examples of hallucinogens. Describe its physical effects
- marijuana, hash, LSC, PCP, psilocybin, MDMA
- alteration in mood, attitude, thought processes, perceptions
- psychological dependence
List examples of depressants. Describe its physical effects
- alcohol, barbiturates, tranquilizers
- suppress CNS, inhibit mental processes
- physical and psychological dependence
List examples of stimulants. Describe its physical effects
- cocaine, crack, meth
- stimulates CNS, euphoria, increased energy, decreased appetite and need for sleep, increased confidence
How does cannabis effect driving?
- impairs driving by altering motor skills, slowing reaction time, inhibiting short term memory and concentration
**Describe the phases when alcohol passes through the circulatory system
- absorption
- alcohol enters blood stream and carried to all parts of body
What factors affect alcohol absorption?
- quantity consumed and type
- chugged or drank slowly
- presence of food
How is intoxication tested for?
- breathalyzer
- field sobriety testing (horizontal-gaze nystagmus, walk and turn, one leg stand)
- blood alcohol content
If a body is decomposed, where is the best place to obtain a blood alcohol sample?
- vitreous humour (self contained unit that is not in contact with other body fluids)
**Specimens and Testing
List non-biological exhibits
- paraphernalia (syringes, spoons, pipes
- residues (powders, stains, food, prescriptions)
Describe presumptive tests for toxicology
- quick and sensitive
- not specific
- useful for exclusion or to indicate possible drug class
Describe confirmatory tests for toxicology. What tests are used?
- sensitive
- specific
- combination of chromatography and spectrometry (GC+MS, LC+MS, MS+MS)
How are presumptive and confirmatory tests interpreted?
- what is the drug?
- how much was taken?
- what are the symptoms of the dose?
- does this explain a person’s behaviour?
What are clandestine labs? What do toxicologists do here?
- drug laboratories designed to synthesize drugs
- toxicologists attend these scenes to identify dangers (explosives, booby traps), ID and collect specimens
Motherisk
- research lab at SicKids Hospital
- sold hair-testing products for use in child protection cases
- decades without proper training and oversight
- unknown number of children wrongful take from family
