Alcohol in Forensic Toxicology

Practice flashcards covering key vocabulary and definitions related to alcohol in forensic toxicology.

Ethanol

The most commonly encountered psychoactive substance in forensic toxicology, known as a CNS depressant.

Methanol

Also known as wood alcohol, toxic due to the production of formaldehyde and formic acid.

Isopropanol

Known as rubbing alcohol; more lipid-soluble and a stronger CNS depressant than ethanol.

Ethylene Glycol

An antifreeze component that is metabolized into oxalic acid, causing renal failure.

Congeners

Substances produced alongside ethanol during fermentation, affecting taste, color, and aroma.

BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration)

The percentage of alcohol in a person's bloodstream, significant in determining intoxication levels.

ADME

Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion processes related to alcohol.

Oxidative Metabolism

More than 90% of ethanol is metabolized oxidatively primarily in the liver.

Non-Oxidative Metabolism

A small fraction of ethanol undergoes phase II conjugation, resulting in biomarkers such as EtG and EtS.

Widmark Equation

A formula to estimate blood alcohol concentration based on the amount of ethanol in the body and body weight.

PEth (Phosphatidylethanol)

An alcohol biomarker that forms after heavy drinking, indicating long-term alcohol consumption.

Fomepizole

A selective alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor used in the treatment of methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning.

Postmortem Ethanol Synthesis

Ethanol production that can occur after death due to bacteria or yeast, complicating toxicology results.

Glycolic Acid

A toxic metabolite produced during the metabolism of ethylene glycol, leading to various clinical symptoms.

Diuresis

Increased urination; during alcohol consumption, peaks are seen during absorption.

Formaldehyde

A toxic metabolite of methanol that can lead to severe health consequences upon exposure.

Acetaldehyde

A toxic byproduct formed from the metabolism of ethanol, associated with cancer risk and other health issues.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase (ADH)

An enzyme involved in the metabolism of ethanol, converting it to acetaldehyde.

NADH/NAD⁺ Imbalance

Key metabolic disturbance caused by ethanol metabolism, leading to lactic acidosis and other conditions.