The general toxicology unknown. I. The systematic approach.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Forensic Toxicology
• Clinical Chemistry

Background:

• General toxicology unknowns pose significant challenges in identification.
• Accurate identification of drugs and poisons is crucial for patient care and legal investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a systematic analytical approach for the identification of unknown drugs and poisons.
• To outline preliminary and confirmatory screening methods used in toxicological analysis.

Main Methods:

• Preliminary screening included gas chromatography (GC) for alcohol and basic/neutral/acidic drugs, colorimetric analysis for ethchlorvynol, and enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT).
• Additional analyses were case-dependent.
• Positive findings were confirmed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and quantitation was performed by GC.

Main Results:

• The described systematic approach allows for the comprehensive screening and identification of a wide range of substances.
• Confirmatory analyses ensure the accuracy of preliminary findings.

Conclusions:

• A systematic analytical strategy, combining preliminary screening with advanced confirmatory techniques, is effective for identifying unknown toxic substances.
• This approach aids toxicologists in managing complex cases involving drug or poison exposure.