Post-mortem toxicological analysis of cocaine: main biological samples and analytical methods

Area of Science:

• Forensic Toxicology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Cocaine and its metabolites are crucial in post-mortem forensic toxicology.
• Understanding prevalent analytical methods and biological samples is essential for accurate post-mortem cocaine analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the most utilized analytical methods and biological samples in post-mortem forensic toxicological analysis of cocaine.
• To review the current state-of-the-art in cocaine detection and quantification in post-mortem cases.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology was employed.
• Data were extracted from 21 articles published between 2012 and 2022, sourced from five databases.
• Analysis focused on identifying frequently used analytical techniques and biological matrices.

Main Results:

• Blood and hair were the most commonly analyzed biological samples.
• Solid phase extraction was the predominant sample preparation technique.
• Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was the most frequently reported chromatography method.

Conclusions:

• LC-MS and solid phase extraction are current standards for post-mortem cocaine analysis in blood and hair.
• There is a need for advancements in miniaturized, automated sample preparation techniques.
• Further investigation into post-mortem redistribution, drug interactions, and medical conditions is warranted.