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Sample Handling in Forensic Toxicology

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Part of the book series: Methodological Surveys in Biochemistry and Analysis ((ANAY,volume 14))

Abstract

The forensic toxicologist’s case work mainly involves the detection, isolation, identification and quantitation of drugs in biological materials. The samples received for this purpose vary in quantity, variety and quality. The quantity and variety depend on the pathologist; the quality depends on the condition of the deceased and, to a lesser extent, on the pathologist. The task of the toxicologist can be assisted by good medical and circumstantial evidence as back-up. Also, a knowledge of significant post-mortem findings is helpful.

Editor’s note: This article, placed here although the sample dealt with is typically post-mortem, complements the wide-ranging forensic surveys by R.L. Williams (#F-4) and R.N. Smith (#E-1; RTA). See also concluding part of #F, ‘Comments’.

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© 1984 Plenum Press, New York

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Oliver, J.S. (1984). Sample Handling in Forensic Toxicology. In: Reid, E., Wilson, I.D. (eds) Drug Determination in Therapeutic and Forensic Contexts. Methodological Surveys in Biochemistry and Analysis, vol 14. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2397-6_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2397-6_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-9462-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-2397-6

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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