Techniques Used in Toxicology TOXICOLOGY Techniques Used in

Techniques Used in Toxicology TOXICOLOGY

Techniques Used in Toxicology Testing for Acids and Bases � Acids donate H+ ions to another compound and have a p. H of 0 -7. � Bases accept H+ ions from another compound and have a p. H of 7 -14. � Water is neutral with a p. H of 7. �

Techniques Used in Toxicology �A drug can be recovered by changing the p. H of water: � Acidic drugs are extracted from an acidified water solution. � Basic drugs are extracted from a basic water solution.

Techniques Used in Toxicology � Acid and Base tests can help confirm Over the Counter drugs, which can cause accidental poisoning or even death.

Techniques Used in Toxicology � Over the Counter Drugs include: � Alcohol � Antacids � Nicotine � Aspirin � Other pain relievers

Techniques Used in Toxicology � Drugs can be detected in overdose victims by acidified or basic solutions: � A color change may be observed. � Carbon dioxide gas may also be produced.

Techniques Used in Toxicology � Once a drug has been extracted, a toxicologist will take a 2 – step approach: � 1. Screening Test – in which a large number of samples can be analyzed in a short time. � 2. Confirmation Test – results from screening test are verified with confirmation tests.

Techniques Used in Toxicology � 3 Most Widely Used Screening Tests: � 1. Thin Layer Chromatography � 2. Gas Chromatography � 3. Immunoassay – based on specific drug antibody reactions.

Techniques Used in Toxicology � Most commonly used Confirmation Tests: � 1. Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrophotometry � 2. Infrared Spectrophotometry

Significance of Toxicological Findings: � For many drugs, blood concentration levels are readily determined and can be used to estimate the pharmacological effects on the individual. � Urine is a poor indicator of how extensively an individual’s behavior is influenced by the drug. However, urine can detect drugs one to three days after being taken.