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A color test for the convenient identification of an ingested surface activating agent
Soudni Lekarstvi
|October 1, 2015
Summary
A simple color test identified a cleaning product in a forensic autopsy case. This highlights the importance of considering chemical additives like cationic surfactants in determining the cause of death.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Color tests offer a simple, cost-effective method for qualitative chemical identification.
- Forensic investigations often require precise identification of ingested substances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of a color test in a forensic autopsy.
- To identify the chemical agent present in stomach contents.
Main Methods:
- A bromophenol blue color test was performed on stomach contents from a forensic autopsy.
- Analysis focused on identifying specific chemical components.
Main Results:
- The color test indicated the presence of a cationic surface activating agent.
- This agent was consistent with components found in commercial cleaning products.
Conclusions:
- Color tests can be valuable tools in forensic investigations.
- Forensic investigators should consider non-traditional sources, like cleaning product additives (e.g., cationic surfactants), when determining cause of death.