Module 1 - Forensic Toxicology

Lesson 3 - Forensic Toxicology Testing Techniques

The Role of Toxicology in Forensic Investigations

Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.

- Rudyard Kipling: Website

The Role of Toxicology in Forensic Investigations

Forensic toxicologists have the task of identifying which drugs, toxins, or poisons an individual involved in a criminal investigation has in his or her system. This is a huge undertaking because of the thousands of drugs and poisons. On some occasions, police investigators supply the victim’s symptoms, his or her personal effects, and empty drug containers to toxicologists to help them identify substances of interest.

Drug overdoses, alcoholic poisonings, and drug-impaired driving cases are the most common criminal cases involving forensic toxicology. However, forensic toxicologists are also involved in attempted homicide, homicide, and suspected suicide cases where intentional poisoning or drug overdose is suspected.

Blood is the most common substance analyzed to identify the drugs and determine their concentrations in a suspect or victim, living or dead. Hair, saliva, sweat, and urine may be examined. Other organs and tissues examined for drugs include bone, brain tissue, liver tissue, and stomach contents.

Elvis Because he was only 42, the death of Elvis Presley on August 16, 1977, was a shock to the public. Forensic toxicologists determined that his death was due to an overdose of prescription drugs. Reportedly, ten drugs were found in significant quantities in his bloodstream. Whether this drug overdose was accidental death or intentional suicide is still unclear. Clearly, Elvis was addicted to prescription drugs. In 1977, for example, Elvis consumed more than 10 000 individual prescription pills—all prescribed by his personal physician.

- Adapted from Wikipedia