What is the role of systematic toxicology in legal investigations?
Systematic toxicology plays a crucial role in legal investigations by identifying and quantifying toxic substances in biological and environmental samples, helping to determine cause of death, assess exposure levels, and support legal proceedings with scientific evidence. It assists in resolving cases of poisoning, drug overdoses, and chemical exposure incidents.
How does systematic toxicology contribute to determining cause of death?
Systematic toxicology helps determine cause of death by analyzing biological samples to identify and quantify toxic substances. This includes detecting drugs, alcohol, poisons, and other chemicals that might contribute to or directly cause death. The findings assist in establishing a correlation between exposure and the physiological effects leading to death.
What techniques are commonly used in systematic toxicology analyses?
Common techniques in systematic toxicology analyses include gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), immunoassays, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These methods are used to detect, identify, and quantify toxic substances in biological and environmental samples.
How does systematic toxicology aid in workplace safety and compliance?
Systematic toxicology aids in workplace safety and compliance by identifying hazardous substances and their effects, thereby guiding safety protocols, exposure limits, and regulatory compliance. It helps in risk assessment, establishing preventive measures, and ensuring informed decision-making regarding the handling and usage of chemicals in the workplace.
What types of samples are typically tested in systematic toxicology?
Blood, urine, hair, saliva, and tissue samples are typically tested in systematic toxicology.