Drugs and Forensic Toxicology

Question 1

Which causes of death are reported to the coroner?

Answer 1

Violent
Unnatural or sudden
Cause of death is unknown

Question 2

From where can blood be collected postmortem?

Answer 2

Heart

Femoral vein

Question 3

From where is blood taken for drug concentration to be measured?

Answer 3

Femoral vein

Question 4

Where can glucose be measured in a dead body?

Answer 4

Vitreous humour

Question 5

What are acute dangers of cocaine?

Answer 5

Cardiac:
Arrhythmias
Acute heart failure
Myocardial infarction

Question 6

List two examples of amphetamines/stimulants?

Answer 6

MDMA

Crystal methamphetamine

Question 7

For what period of time can drugs in blood/serum be detected?

Answer 7

12 hours

Question 8

For what period of time can drugs be detected in the urine?

Answer 8

2-3 days

Question 9

Which body tissue sample gives information about long-term drug use?

Answer 9

Hair

Question 10

Which are the main drugs used in ChemSex?

Answer 10

GHB - gamma hydroxybutyrate
Crystal meth - methylamphetamine
Mephedrone