Not just CSI: demystifying Forensic Toxicology for the Curious Minds

 

Forensic toxicologists are just like Sherlock Holmes but in real life, always piecing together the puzzles of criminal cases. But as they are toxicologists, they work with sophisticated instruments rather than magnifying glasses and identify the cause of death and drug use.

Ever questioned how toxicologists examine blood samples to identify the cause of death? or wondered about the mysteries behind the revelation of a person's long-term exposure to various substances through hair strands ?

Breaking Down the Basics:

Forensic toxicology deals with the identification of toxic substances and the understanding of how they affect the human body by the analysis of biological samples, in both criminal investigation and legal proceedings. Here are some basics of forensic toxicology:

DEFINITION: Forensic toxicology is a study of toxic substances, drugs, poisons, etc. to aid the justice system in the court of law. Substances including harmful compounds, such as poisons or pharmaceuticals, present in biological samples are analyzed by toxicologists.

BIOLOGICAL SPECIMENS: Biological specimens include blood, urine, hair, saliva, faecal matter, and tissues. These specimens can be collected from either live or dead people.

POSTMORTEM TOXICOLOGY: Postmortem toxicology plays a role in solving cases that include unexpected or unexplained deaths. It helps by determining whether a poison or drug was a cause of death.

SAMPLE COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION: To get an accurate result sample collection, storage, and preservation should be done correctly. The chain of custody is followed properly to ensure the integrity of the evidence.

ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES: Techniques including liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry are used for analysis. These instruments are used to assist in the qualification and quantification of the toxic substance found in biological samples.

PHARMACOKINETICS AND TOXICOKINETICS: In forensic toxicology, knowledge of the body’s pharmacokinetics – the study of how medications and toxins are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated – as well as its toxico kinetic – the study of how harmful substances move within the body – is important.

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS: Results are given based on the concentration of the drug found in the sample while keeping in mind the patient's health, tolerance and possible interaction of substances.

COMMON SUBSTANCES ANALYZED: A wide range of chemicals, including illegal drugs, prescription medicines, alcohol, poisons, and toxins are examined by toxicologists.

EXPERT TESTIMONY: often in court cases, forensic toxicologists are required to provide expert testimony. They explain the methods, conclusion and the importance of their findings.

CHAIN OF CUSTODY: The chain of custody involves the documentation of the handling, transportation, and storage of the samples to ensure that no contamination is done to the evidence and that there has been no tampering with the evidence. 

TOXICOLOGY IN DOPING CASES: Forensic toxicologists help identify the athletes who use illegal substances or doping to up skill their performance. Similar techniques can be used by anti-doping laboratories to create new methods to increase performance.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATION: Ethical measures are taken by forensic toxicologists to ensure the safety and reliability of their analysis and findings. When handling with sensitive cases, ethical measures become much more important.

Real Cases, Real Science:

    Forensic toxicology has played a significant role in solving high-profile cases, providing with very valuable results which aided in solving some toughest investigations. Cases like:

Dr. Robert Ferrante : Cyanide

    Forensic toxicology played an important role in analyzing biological samples, such as tissues and blood, to identify the presence of substances, including cyanide during the autopsy. The forensic toxicologists likely focused upon qualifying and quantifying the cyanide present in Dr. Klein's biological samples. This process involves the use of techniques such as gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.

Orville Lynn Majors: Potassium chloride

    After the rise in suspicions, forensic toxicologists played a key role by providing the results of analysis of postmortem samples for the presence of potassium chloride and other substances during the autopsies of deceased patients. Forensic toxicologists would have focused upon the qualification and quantification of potassium chloride in the samples. These analyses include the determination of levels of potassium chloride present in samples and if that result can be linked with the cause of death.

Dr. Thomas Neil Cream: Strychnine

    Autopsies were conducted when Cream's victims died under suspicious circumstances and the analysis of postmortem samples to identify the presence of strychnine by forensic toxicologists. To detect and quantify the presence of strychnine analysis of biological samples such as urine, stomach contents, and tissues were carried out.

James Keown: Antifreeze

    After Julie Keown's death, forensic toxicological analysis of ethylene glycol to detect if it was present in her body surely played a crucial role during the autopsy. Examination of biological samples such as blood and tissues were done. Analysis of these samples in toxicology is done by techniques like gas chromatography or liquid chromatography paired with mass spectrometry to identify and quantify the levels of ethylene glycol in Julie Keown’s postmortem samples.

Paul Curry: Nicotine

    Forensic toxicologists used techniques like gas chromatography and liquid chromatography paired with mass spectrometry to analyze the presence of nicotine. These techniques help by separating the different components of the sample to better understand all other compounds present in it such as nicotine.

 

The Tool of the Trade:

    Forensic toxicology focuses upon the qualification and quantification of poisons, drugs, and other toxic compounds in both biological and non-biological specimens. It aims to determine the concentration, existence, and sometimes the source of toxic chemicals in human bodies or the given sample. To get these results, forensic toxicologists use an array of tools and methods.

Toxicology in Popular Culture: How TV and Movies Portray the Science Behind the Scenes

    We can't deny the peak forensic science has touched during the quarantine period, many have binge-watched 'Criminal Minds' and seen reruns of 'NCIS' or just simply got interested in popular crime shows. Whatever the case is, but many have created a stereotype about forensics. Usually, forensic labs are depicted with an eccentric scientist who runs all the tests in the lab and is quick to return them back. But that's not the case in real life; see in real life forensic labs all the analysis is based on the type of evidence found which may be biological, physical, or related to chemicals. All these samples are processed according to their nature and no two different types of evidence can be run by a single lab technician.

    The real-life sample analysis is not that simple and definitely not this fast as well, there are a lot of different techniques whose run time can go up to 1 hour or some might even take much more time to give out complete results. Forensic science itself is an umbrella term, embracing various techniques namely analyses of fingerprints, DNA, hair, drugs, bullets, and many more. Evidence is collected by an investigator and then analyzed by a lab technician according to its nature. All these techniques are split between different branches of forensics, and one of them is toxicology where the analysis of drugs, poisons, and toxins takes place. Also, solving a crime does not always require all the costly procedures like DNA analysis.

    As forensic science is basking in its glory in court cases, now jurors expect to look at more scientific evidence which prevent the conviction of an innocent. But every pro has its cons, as forensic analysis is not always accurate, due to differences in technician skills. Forensics does provide with concrete evidence, but citizens can be misleading by their protest which may result in the false conviction of a suspect.

    Forensic science is undergoing improvements to improve accuracy and efficiency. National councils are advocating for better accreditations, standards, and evidence interpretation methods. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) funds research to strengthen forensic science, inventing new technologies and grants. Improvements include lab transparency, independent labs, and solid evidence standards. Reforms in the structure of forensic investigation could provide more accurate truth to citizens, addressing past mistakes and misconceptions while enhancing overall investigative efficiency.

From Crime Scene to Lab: The Step-by-Step Process of Forensic Toxicology Analysis

In forensic toxicology analysis, identification and quantification of drugs, poisons, alcohol, and other harmful chemicals in biological samples is done, in order to support court cases. A standard, step-by-step procedure for forensic toxicological analysis is as follows:

SAMPLE COLLECTION : Collect relevant biological samples such as blood, urine, hair, or tissues from the deceased or living individual. The type of sample collected depends on the interested compound and the total exposure time to rule out any contamination.

PRESERVATION AND STORAGE : Samples are supposed to be preserved cautiously to avoid any contamination and degradation of the biological samples. Common methods of storage are freezing, refrigerating, or the use of preservatives.

CHAIN OF CUSTODY : The chain of custody must be followed strictly to ensure the integrity of the samples. Document every person who handles the samples, from collection to analysis, to ensure the integrity of the results in court.

INITIAL SCREENING : A preliminary test or an initial screening test is performed to help in making quick decisions during critical moments. This step helps in narrowing down the substances of interest.

EXTRACTION : First, extract the desired compound from the biological samples. Various extraction methods, such as solid phase extraction or liquid-liquid extraction, depending on the nature of the sample and the substances being analyzed particular technique is chosen.

CLEAN-UP AND PURIFICATION : The extracted sample is then cleaned to remove any impurities sticking to it to ensure an accurate result. It is important to remember that this particular step plays a crucial role in acquiring accurate and dependable outcomes.

INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS : Advanced analytical instruments such as gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC), mass spectrometry (MS), or a combination of these techniques to separate, identify, and quantify the specific substances present in the sample are used.

CONFIRMATION AND QUANTIFICATION : Conformation is done to ensure the presence of the substance that came out during the screening phase is required, which can be done by a more specific and accurate method. Quantification of each compound acquired is done by calibration standards.

QUALITY CONTROL : Ensure quality control measures during the analysis process, including the use of standard reference materials, internal standards, and regular calibration of instruments, to ensure the accuracy and precision of the results.

DATA INTERPRETATION : Analyze the data obtained from instrumental analysis and interpret the results by preparing charts and calculating the acquired results. Consider factors such as pharmacokinetics, tolerance, and the potential for co-operative effects.

DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING : Document the entire analysis process, including methods used, instruments calibrated, and results obtained. Prepare a detailed report summarizing the findings and be prepared to testify in court if necessary.

PEER REVIEW : Peer review is taken in regard to findings to ensure their accuracy and reliability. This step may involve having another forensic toxicologist review the findings on their own accord.

We should not forget that toxicology is a multidisciplinary field, encompassing various protocols which can change according to the circumstances surrounding the case. Forensic toxicology is required to maintain proper decorum and adhere to the rules abided by law to ensure the dependability of their results.

 

Challenges and Controversies : Common Misconceptions about Forensic Toxicology

    When hearing about the word ‘toxicology’ our minds instantly jump to illegal drug usage and relate it to analysis of drugs only, while toxicology does include analysis of illegal drugs it also encompasses a wide range of substances including alcohol, poisons, environmental toxins, prescription medication, and over-the-counter drugs too.

    Another misconception about toxicology is that it can always immediately determine the cause of death but in reality, while toxicology can provide a valuable lead to the case the determination of death requires coupling toxicology with other investigative information, medical history, and autopsy results.

    People may also think that the results are instantaneous but the process takes much more time and they are not always accurate, the sample is required to be stored in a favorable condition and is handled with care by a professional to avoid any contamination that may hinder the process of analysis and give false results.

    Many factors such as the time of exposure to a specific drug, tolerance of the person, and any underlying medical condition can hinder in determining an accurate result or a false positive result. Many believe that there are specified levels to determine the intoxication which is not correct as it solely depends upon the person's metabolism, health, and tolerance levels.

    It is essential that the general public gains a better insight into forensic toxicology to understand its complexities and boundaries.

 

Forensic Toxicology and Public Health : Examining the Broader Impact

Forensic toxicology also plays an important role in ensuring the safety of the public by monitoring the new emerging trends surrounding illegal drugs and levels of drugs in medicines. They update the public health ensuring agencies and update them about the emerging trends and toxicity of a substance to prevent any harm to public health.

Forensic toxicology mostly focuses upon ensuring the purity, efficiency, and safety of medications. As quality check of the medicines directly ensures the safety of public health, toxicological finding also plays a vital role in identifying the compounds which may project harm to public health.

The collaboration of forensic toxicology with public health agencies is essential to ensure the safety of people and to spread awareness about the approaching levels of risks regarding toxic substances within the human community.

 

Future Horizons : Innovations and Trends Shaping the Future of Forensic Toxicology

New approaching trends in forensic toxicology and the advancement of techniques brings new opportunity with it. The new technologies introduced are more precised and more accurate with results and give better results with more efficiency which may help in court cases or public safety.

ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY : A lot of new techniques have emerged in our world that help toxicologists in better understand the drugs, poisons, toxins, or any other harmful chemical such techniques include AMS, ICP-MS, IRMS, HPLC, HIC, Toxtyper, etc., and many more to come.

METABOLOMICS AND OMICS APPROACHES : With metabolomics, toxicologists are able to understand the small molecules in biological samples. This technique enables toxicologists to gain a better understanding of the metabolic pathways in human and drug metabolism and exposure to toxic substances.

MINIATURIZATION OF ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES : The miniaturization of analytical techniques is being introduced into forensic laboratories which are giving way to compact, portable devices. These devices enable forensic investigators to perform on-site testing, drastically improving the time required for analysis and providing rapid results in critical situations. These are most important for the crime scene investigation, as they provide real-time results which help in making critical decisions and emergency response scenarios which are crucial.

TOXICOGENOMICS AND SYSTEMS BIOLOGY : Toxicogenomics is the inter section between toxicology and genetics, it examines how a person's genetic markup influences their response to toxic substances. It helps forensic toxicologists understand why different individuals react differently to the same toxin.

INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION : Forensic toxicology is increasing the collaboration with other disciplinaries enhancing the dimensions of toxicological investigations. Collaborations with such as medical experts, law enforcement, and other relevant disciplinary are beneficial in investigating complex cases.

 

Conclusion :

Forensic toxicology is indeed a very fascinating world of solving mysteries but it’s often over shadowed by its seed of misconception in people sowed by its portrayal in popular TV shows. It is essential for determining the truth as it gives fact-based results and unbiased results in cases involving drugs, poisons, or toxic substances. It’s important to understand the complex reaction of this toxic substance with human body to ensure public safety. This field has dedicated itself in preserving the justice in court cases by providing its valuable evidences to prove one’s innocence, these interesting facts about toxicology keeps people with inquisitive mind wondering about more and they dive deep into this fascinating world of crime solving science.

 

References :

1. Levine, B. (2020). Introduction to Forensic Toxicology. Springer Nature
2. Lappas, N. T.(2016). Forensic Toxicology:Principles and Concepts. Academic Press, Elsevier
3. Powers, R. H., & Siegel, J. A. (2015). Forensic Toxicology: Mechanisms and Pathology. CRC Press
4. NUSCI Magazine. (2023, January 20). Fictional Forensic: How Accurate Is Forensic Science and Its Portrayal in the Media? NUSCI Magazine.
5. https://nuscimagazine.com/fictional-forensics-how-accurate-is-forensic-science-and-its-portrayal-in-the-media/