Postmortem toxicology
Loading...
Authors
Nelson, Sarah R.
Issue Date
2006
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Forensic sciences
Alternative Title
Abstract
Three postmortem toxicology situations were investigated in this thesis investigation. Selected cases have been reviewed and the data analyzed using GC, GC-MS, HPLC, HPLC-MS, RIA, and TLC. The data was then summarized (Tables and Figures) and statistical analysis (paired t-test and mean/standard deviation) were used to determine the significance of the data relative to the proposed research hypothesis. Either peripheral or central blood can be used to analyze postmortem blood since postmortem redistribution did not alter the drug concentrations. Insects that have been feeding on the corpse can also be used to detect drug concentrations. Bacteria have been shown to decrease the level of drugs in the body.