OVERVIEW FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY

Toxicology involves the study of the toxic effects chemicals have on the body. The understanding of how the toxins in the substance act, when the
harmfulness of the toxin may occur, and the symptoms and treatments for poisoning are all part of the study of toxicology.

Forensic toxicology is used to aid in medical and legal investigations of

poisoning, death, and drug use.

JOB OF THE FORENSIC TOXICOLOGISTS

A forensic toxicologist performs scientific tests on tissue samples and bodily fluids in
order to determine whether any foreign drugs or chemicals are present in the body.

As part of a crime investigating team, a forensic toxicologist will identify substances

within the body that may have caused the crime. These substances may include illegal drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, poison, metals, other chemicals, or gasses.

The job of a forensic toxicologist may also include drug-testing employees and testing
environmental areas for contamination.

METHODS
Forensic toxicologists will use a variety of methods to test for substances, with
the method dependent on the type of drug the toxicologist expects to find.

Some of the tests that are typically used to detect drugs, both prescription and
illegal, include gas-liquid chromatography, immunoassay, and thinlayer chromatography.

In order to use these tests for legal purposes, the technician must perform and
confirm his original results with a second test.

METHODS
Gas chromatography Is a technique which works by separating gases and liquids
into their elemental components.

An immunoassay is a biochemical test that measures the presence

or concentration of a macromolecule in a solution through the use of an antibody or immunoglobulin.

Thin layer chromatography is a chromatography technique used to separate nonvolatile mixtures, such as drugs, pollutants and pesticides.

METHODS
Spectrophotometry is a technique in which EMR is directed at a sample where
certain wavelengths of the light will be absorbed.

The intensity of the light transmitted is measured and recorded by the

spectrophotometer and printed on a graph.

Which wavelengths are absorbed, and to what degree they are absorbed
depends on the chemical structure of the sample.

METHODS - INSTRUMENTS

Gas Chromatography

Immunoassay

METHODS - INSTRUMENTS

Spectrophometer

APPLICATIONS
One application of forensic toxicology is drug and alcohol testing, commonly in
the transportation industry and in workplaces.

Another use is for drug overdoses, whether these are intended or accidental. People who drive with a blood alcohol concentration over the accepted legal
limit can also be assessed through toxicology testing.

Another application of forensic toxicology relates to sexual assault that involves

the use of drugs.

TRAINING
A bachelor's degree in toxicology, biology or chemistry is necessary to become a
toxicologist.

Forensic toxicologists usually need a graduate degree. A graduate degree program in toxicology explores the principles of toxicology,
biological chemistry, cellular physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology and analytical chemistry. Doctorate programs take 2-3 years to complete and include a dissertation and final thesis project.

HIGH PROFILE CASES

Heath Ledger; Australian actor; died in 2008 from an overdose of prescription drugs
- cause of death: combined drug toxicity due to oxycodone, hydrocodone, alprazolam, diazepam, temazpam and doxylamine (accidental).

Amy Winehouse; English singer songwriter; died in 2011 from fatal alcohol
poisoning.

Marilyn Monroe; American actress; died in 1962 from a barbiturate overdose.