Drugs/ Forensic Toxicology

Question 1

What is the preferred site of blood taking for forensic toxicology screens?

Answer 1

If death
* anti-motem bloods e.g. from A&E
* Femoral vein bloods (general reference range)

Question 2

What drugs are included in a routine toxicology screens

Answer 2

1. opioids
2. cannabinioids
3. amphetamines

if toxic/ letahl levels: Quantification
also hair analysis

Question 3

How long does it take untitl a Herion overdes is lethal?
How does it kill

Answer 3

Usually via respiratory depression or aspiration pneumonia (takes 1-2h)

Question 4

How long after a fatal ingestion of methadone to die?

Answer 4

4-6h

Question 5

What are the acute physical effects of cocaine?

Answer 5

Cardiac arrythmias
Acute heart failure
Myocardial infarction

Question 6

What are the long-term physical effects of cocaine?

Answer 6

Myocardial damage
Ventricular arrhythmias –> sudden death

Question 7

How does post.mortem drug concentration change compared ro ante-mortem?

Answer 7

• might be redistribution in chronic use –> increased and mmovement from tissue compartment or solid organs into blood
• Decadation of drug post mortem might decrease concenration

Question 8

What time frame is Blood /serum analysis useful in detection of drugs?

Answer 8

12h

Question 9

How long are drugs detected on urine test after taking them?

Answer 9

drugs detected 2-3 days

Question 10

How long is drug-use detected in hair?

Answer 10

Months/years (generally 1cm/months) - limited by hair lenth

Hair: detects long-term drug use months/years