Forensic toxicology

Forensic Toxicology

Forensic toxicology (pronunciation: /fəˈrɛnsɪk tɒksɪˈkɒlədʒi/) is a branch of forensic science that studies the effects of toxins or chemicals on the human body, particularly in relation to legal matters.

Etymology

The term "forensic toxicology" is derived from the Latin word "forensis" meaning "of or before the forum" and the Greek word "toxicology" which is a combination of "toxikon" (poison) and "logia" (study).

Definition

Forensic toxicology involves the use of toxicology and other disciplines such as analytical chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical chemistry to aid medical or legal investigation of death, poisoning, and drug use. The primary concern for forensic toxicologists is not the legal outcome of the investigation or the determination of guilt or innocence. Rather, it is about obtaining and interpreting results.

Related Terms

• Postmortem toxicology: This refers to the chemical analysis of bodily fluids and tissues for the presence of drugs and chemicals after death.
• Human performance toxicology: This involves the evaluation of behavioral effects of drugs and toxins, particularly in relation to workplace drug testing and driving under the influence.
• Forensic drug testing: This is the use of drug testing methodologies to determine whether a substance is present in an individual for legal purposes.

Applications

Forensic toxicology is used in cases of death, poisoning, and drug intoxication. It can also be used in cases of drug-facilitated crimes, such as sexual assault, or in doping control in sports. Forensic toxicologists work in laboratories, often for the government, where they detect and identify the presence and concentration of drugs and chemicals in biological specimens.

See Also

• Forensic pathology
• Forensic chemistry
• Forensic biology
• Forensic entomology
• Forensic anthropology

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Forensic toxicology
• Wikipedia's article - Forensic toxicology

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