Forensic Toxicology

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Forensic Toxicology

• Dr. Abdulmonem Al-Hayani
• MBChB, DipFMS(Lon), PhD(Aber)

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OutcomeAimsGoals

• Why this lecture?
• What is Forensic Toxicology?
• Role of Forensic Toxicologist?
• Toxins?
• Drugs?
• Role of GPs?

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Why this lecture?
Drug Abuse is Increasing
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What is Forensic Toxicology

• A specific area of analytical chemistry which is
  concerned with adverse effects of chemicals on
  living organisms

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Forensic Toxicologists

• Toxicologist detects and identifies chemicals in
  the body
• Types of toxicologists
• Descriptive
• Mechanistic
• Regulatory

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Role of Forensic Toxicologist
Detection
Recommend Treatment
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Toxins

• What?
• Any substance exerting a harmful effect on a
  living organism
• Forms?
• Gaseous (e.g. CO, cyanide)
• Liquids (e.g. household cleaning supplies,
  alcohol)
• Solid (solid Drugs)

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Toxins

• Incidence?
• Unknown, could be suicidal, homicidal or
  accidental
• Route of administration?
• Oral
• IV, IM
• Inhalation
• Skin popping

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Drugs

• Common problem in our community
• Forms the majority of toxins the forensic people
  are dealing with

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Classifications

• Not clear in our law
• Suggested classification
• Narcotics or Opiates (e.g. Heroin, Morphine)
• Cannabis
• CNS stimulants (e.g. Amphetamines, Cocaine)
• CNS Depressants (e.g. TCAD)
• Hallucinogens (e.g. LSD, PCP)
• Volatile Drugs (e.g. fuel, glue)

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Opiates

• Heroin, Codeine, Dihydrocodeine, Methadone,
  Temgesic and Morphine
• Generally injected or swallowed or snuffed
• Onset is very rapid (2 min)
• Detectable impairment (6-12 h)
• Effects (Confusion)

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Cannabis

• Generally Smoked
• Onset is rapid (5-8 min)
• Detectable impairment (3-4 h)
• Effects (rapid sobering up)
• Cannabinoids

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CNS Stimulants

• Amphetamines, Cocaine (crack)
• Generally inhaled or smoked
• Onset is slower
• Detectable impairment (15-48 h)
• Effects (Agitation)

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CNS Depressant

• Benzodiazepine, Valium, Temazepam
• Generally swallowed
• Onset is medium (5-30 min)
• Detectable impairment (6-12 h)
• Effects (Drowsiness)

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Hallucinogens

• LSD, Ecstasy
• Generally swallowed or skin popped
• Detectable impairment (8 h)
• Effects (Hallucination and unpredictable
  behavior)

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Inhalants

• Glue, tippex, hair sprays, fuel gases
• Generally inhaled
• Onset is very rapid (1 min)
• Detectable impairment (12 h)
• Effects (Euphoria)

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Your Role
Recognition
Referral
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Summary
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Key Lesson

• If You Did Not Think About It You Will Not
  Recognize It

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Questions Comments