Forensic Toxicology Assessment Review

Vocabulary and key concepts related to forensic toxicology and its principles.

Toxicology

The study of drugs, poisons, and toxins.

Forensic Toxicology

The analysis of biological samples for the presence of drugs, poisons, and toxins.

Poisons

Natural or manufactured chemicals that cause severe harm, such as arsenic or rat poison.

Toxins

Naturally occurring poisonous substances produced by living things, such as ricin or rattlesnake venom.

Drugs

Substances that are intended to prevent and treat illness or reduce pain.

Exposure Methods

Ways people can be exposed to drugs or harmful substances: ingesting, inhaling, injecting, or absorbing.

Role of a Toxicologist

To identify and quantify the presence of drugs and chemicals in blood and tissue samples.

Collaboration of Toxicologists

Toxicologists often work with pathologists when determining the cause of death.

Post-Identification Actions

After identifying toxins in the body, a toxicologist finds the dose, duration of exposure, nature of exposure, and interactions with other substances.

Narcotics

Addictive, sleep-inducing drugs that act as nervous system depressants to suppress pain.

Depressants

Drugs that relieve anxiety, produce sleep, and are typically highly addictive.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase feelings of energy and alertness while suppressing appetite.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that alter perception, thinking, self-awareness, and emotions.

Anabolic Steroids

Substances that promote cell and tissue growth and division, often with negative side effects.

Drug Classification (Legal System)

Drugs are classified into schedules: Schedule 1 - heroin; Schedule 2 - meth; Schedule 3 - tylenol with codeine; Schedule 4 - Xanax; Schedule 5 - Robitussin AC.

Cocaine's Effects

Increases feelings of energy and alertness while suppressing appetite.

Human Performance Toxicologist

A toxicologist who deals with the effects of alcohol and drugs on human performance and behavior.

Alcohol Effects

Alcohol affects the human body immediately and over time.

BAC

Blood alcohol content, which can be determined by a breathalyzer.