Analytical instrumentation in toxicology

An ever-growing number of analytical instruments are appearing in forensic and toxicology laboratories. The demand for increased instrumentation has resulted from the rigid qualitative and quantitative requirements placed on the modern toxicologist, as well as from the need for control of the proliferation of toxic substances. This demand is definitely apparent in the toxicological investigation of aircraft accidents, with which the authors are currently concerned. The advent of microporcessor-controlled instrumentation plus an improvement in instrument reliability and efficiency has turned the traditional toxicology laboratory into a highly complex, electronic testing facility. The advantages of analytical instrumentation and the inherent dangers and precautions confronting the forensic scientist and the toxicologist will be presented.