Toxicology and Pharmacology

Forensic Toxicology

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Forensic toxicology uses toxicology and other disciplines such as analytical chemistry, clinical chemistry and pharmacology to aid medical or legal investigation of drug use, poisoning and death. It deals with the investigation of toxic substances, poisonous products and environmental chemicals. The primary concern of Forensic Toxicology is to obtain and interpret the results. Toxicological analysis can be done to various kinds of samples. Forensic toxicology involves not only determining the presence of Toxic substance in the post-mortem body, but how the body’s natural processes affect the substance, including chemical change and dilution. Forensic toxicologists perform scientific tests on tissue samples and bodily fluids to identify any chemicals or drugs present in the body. The choice of method for testing is highly depends on the material on which the testing is performed and what kind of substance one expects to find. Analytical methods used in forensic toxicology should be carefully tested by performing a validation of the method to ensure definite results at all times. Forensic toxicologists also work on cases involving environmental contamination, to determine the impact of chemical spills on living organisms. Investigators rely on the forensic toxicologist to make reliable conclusions about the impact a specific amount of a specific substance would have on a specific individual. Currently, forensic toxicology is the study of drugs, alcohol and poisons, including their chemical composition, identification and preparations. It comprises knowledge about the absorption, distribution and elimination process of such substances in the body, as well as the manner in which the body responds to their presence and the factors which define Drug Safety and efficacy.