Collection of biological samples in forensic toxicology

Abstract

Forensic toxicology is the study and practice of the application of toxicology to the purposes of the law. The relevance of any finding is determined, in the first instance, by the nature and integrity of the specimen(s) submitted for analysis. This means that there are several specific challenges to select and collect specimens for ante-mortem and post-mortem toxicology investigation. Post-mortem specimens may be numerous and can endow some special difficulties compared to clinical specimens, namely those resulting from autolytic and putrefactive changes. Storage stability is also an important issue to be considered during the pre-analytic phase, since its consideration should facilitate the assessment of sample quality and the analytical result obtained from that sample. The knowledge on degradation mechanisms and methods to increase storage stability may enable the forensic toxicologist to circumvent possible difficulties. Therefore, advantages and limitations of specimen preservation procedures are thoroughfully discussed in this review. Presently, harmonized protocols for sampling in suspected intoxications would have obvious utility. In the present article an overview is given on sampling procedures for routinely collected specimens as well as on alternative specimens that may provide additional information on the route and timing of exposure to a specific xenobiotic. Last, but not least, a discussion on possible bias that can influence the interpretation of toxicological results is provided. This comprehensive review article is intented as a significant help for forensic toxicologists to accomplish their frequently overwhelming mission.

Keywords::

• Ante-mortem and post-mortem forensic toxicology
• biological specimens
• collection procedures
• storage and preservation
• interpretation.

Acknowledgements

The authors are also thankful to the Forensic Toxicologists and Pathologists of the Departments of Forensic Toxicology and Pathology of the Portuguese North Branch, National Institute of Legal Medicine, I.P., for the always present helpful collaboration and continuous discussions. A special acknowledgement to Dr Dina Almeida for fruitful help in performing autopsy photographs.