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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
10:11
Microdialysis of Ethanol During Operant Ethanol Self-administration and Ethanol Determination by Gas Chromatography
Published on: September 5, 2012
Isopropanol and isopropanol deaths-ten years' experience
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|July 1, 1982
Summary
This study examines fatal isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) poisoning cases. Mixed alcohol poisoning may reduce acetone production, a key metabolite, impacting mortality risk.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Forensic Science
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) is a common industrial solvent and disinfectant.
- Ingestion can lead to significant toxicity, including metabolic acidosis and central nervous system depression.
- Understanding the role of isopropanol and its metabolite, acetone, in fatal poisonings is crucial for clinical and forensic settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a population of individuals with significant blood isopropanol levels at death.
- To review the role of isopropanol in 57 fatal cases.
- To assess the contribution of acetone to isopropanol-related mortality and present detection methods.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 57 fatal cases with significant blood isopropanol levels.
- Assessment of acetone levels and their correlation with isopropanol toxicity.
- Review of antemortem and postmortem analytical techniques for isopropanol detection.
Main Results:
- Significant blood isopropanol levels were identified in the studied deceased population.
- Mixed alcohol poisoning involving ethanol and isopropanol was associated with decreased acetone production.
- Specific analytical methods for detecting isopropanol in biological samples were evaluated.
Conclusions:
- Isopropyl alcohol is a significant factor in a subset of fatal poisonings.
- The interplay between ethanol, isopropanol, and acetone metabolism influences toxicity and mortality.
- Accurate and timely detection of isopropanol is essential for diagnosis and forensic investigation.
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