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Post-mortem toxicology: what the dead can and cannot tell us
Jerrold B Leikin1, William A Watson
1Evanston Northwestern Healthcare OMEGA, Glenbrook Hospital, Glenview, Illinois, 60025, USA. Jleikin@enh.org
Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology
|March 21, 2003
Summary
Systematic evaluation of postmortem drug tests is crucial. Factors like body condition, drug properties, and sample type influence autopsy specimen results.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Accurate interpretation of postmortem laboratory drug assays is essential for forensic investigations.
- Numerous variables can affect drug concentrations and detection in biological samples after death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a systematic approach for evaluating postmortem laboratory drug assays.
- To identify key factors influencing the interpretation of autopsy specimen results.
Main Methods:
- Review of analytical methodologies for postmortem drug testing.
- Consideration of biological factors affecting drug distribution and stability.
- Analysis of different biological matrices and sampling sites.
Main Results:
- Postmortem conditions significantly impact drug assay outcomes.
- Drug properties (e.g., lipophilicity, metabolism) are critical for interpretation.
- Matrix effects and sampling site selection influence result validity.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive, systematic approach is necessary for reliable postmortem drug testing.
- Understanding influencing factors ensures accurate interpretation of forensic toxicology data.