Forensic Toxicology Review

Forensic Toxicology

The scientific study of poisons, drugs, and other harmful substances and their physiological effects on the human body.

Toxicity Determinants

Factors influencing a drug or poison's impact include dose, duration, nature of exposure, interactions with other drugs, and metabolites.

Presumptive Test

An initial cost-effective screening test that provides a possible identification of a substance.

Definitive Test

A more accurate and expensive secondary test used to identify the exact drug present.

Qualitative Data

Describes properties without numerical data, such as identifying a substance as a 'white powder'.

Quantitative Data

Involves specific measurements and numbers, like measuring a sample as $25 ext{ grams}$.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressant

Alcohol acts as a depressant affecting the central nervous system.

Proof formula

$ext{Proof} = 2 imes ( ext{Alcohol Percentage})$ used to measure alcohol concentration.

Ethyl Alcohol

Substance responsible for intoxication when consumed; can be measured using devices like breathalyzers.

Toxin

A poison produced naturally by a living organism.

Poison

A harmful substance that can be either natural or manufactured.

Heavy Metals

Toxic substances like Arsenic and Lead that can accumulate in the body and cause harm.

Acute Poisoning

Characterized by short-term exposure to a high dose of a toxin.

Chronic Poisoning

Characterized by long-term exposure to lower doses of a toxin.

Schedule I Drugs

Substances with no accepted medical use and a high abuse potential, e.g., Heroin and LSD.

Dependency

An intense psychological craving for a substance.

Addiction

A physical necessity for the drug, often with withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.

Carbon Monoxide Harm

CO inhibits the blood’s ability to transport oxygen, leading to poisoning.

Evidence Collection Protocols

Specific methods to maintain integrity of evidence, such as using secured vials for liquids.