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Trace Analysis for Drugs and Poisons in Human Tissues

NCJ Number
139823
Journal
Japanese Journal of Legal Medicine Volume: 46 Issue: 3 Dated: (June 1992) Pages: 212-224
Author(s)
T Nagata; Y Fukui; T Kojima; T Yamada; O Suzuki; K Takahama; S Tsunenari; S Komura; T Takatori; M Kageura
Date Published
1992
Length
13 pages
Annotation
A research team with 10 members was organized to establish the most advanced methods available for analyzing drugs and poisons in human tissues for forensic purposes.
Abstract
A conventional extraction method was replaced by an advanced extraction technique to simplify and increase the accuracy of measurement of stimulants such as methamphetamine and amphetamine. The changes in carbon monoxide concentration in whole blood in storage was examined with respect to elapsed time and temperature, using a differential spectrophotometry. In addition, the analytical conditions for gas chromatography were revised on volatiles including alcohol. Optimal conditions for detecting barbiturates in blood were examined, and mass spectrometry of various local anesthetics was studied. Analytical techniques were also studied for insecticides, the herbicide paraquat, antimony in biological tissues, and other drugs and hormones. Substances interfering at the time of toxicological analysis were also checked to obtain reliable information; exact identification was possible using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. (Author abstract modified)