Forensic Toxicology: Principles and Concepts

The second edition of Forensic Toxicology: Principles and Concepts is selected for Doodys Core Titles® 2024 in Toxicology. It provides an overview of the principles of forensic toxicology, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug interactions, toxicogenomics, and reporting from the laboratory to the courtroom. It also includes a Unit focused on the forensic toxicology of individual drugs of abuse.

Format: Hardback
Length: 544 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc

The second edition of Forensic Toxicology: Principles and Concepts delves into the historical roots of forensic toxicology, offering a comprehensive overview of the field's enduring principles. This text primarily emphasizes the core concepts of forensic toxicology, encompassing an introduction to the discipline, principles such as pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug interactions, and toxicogenomics, fundamental techniques for forensic toxicology analysis, various interpretations derived from analytical forensic toxicology findings, and the process of reporting laboratory results to the courtroom. Additionally, this edition includes a dedicated Unit focused on the forensic toxicology of individual drugs of abuse.

Forensic toxicology is a vital field that plays a crucial role in criminal investigations and legal proceedings. It involves the analysis of substances found in biological samples, such as blood, urine, and tissue, to determine their presence and concentration and to identify the cause of death or injury. The field encompasses a wide range of substances, including drugs, alcohol, pesticides, and heavy metals, and is constantly evolving to keep up with new developments in science and technology.

One of the key principles of forensic toxicology is pharmacokinetics, which involves understanding how drugs are absorbed, distributed, and metabolized in the body. This knowledge is essential for determining the effects of drugs on the body and for determining the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment for patients. Pharmacodynamics, on the other hand, involves understanding how drugs interact with the body's cells and tissues to produce their effects. This knowledge is essential for determining the toxicological effects of drugs and for developing antidotes and treatments for drug overdose.

Drug interactions are another important aspect of forensic toxicology. When multiple drugs are taken together, they can interact with each other, leading to unexpected effects or even overdose. Forensic toxicologists use a variety of techniques to determine the effects of drug interactions, including drug concentration analysis, drug interaction studies, and computer modeling.

Toxicogenomics is a relatively new field of forensic toxicology that involves the study of the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to drug toxicity. This field is particularly important in cases where there is a lack of traditional toxicological evidence, such as in cases of drug-induced liver injury or drug-induced autism. Toxicogenomics uses a variety of techniques, such as DNA sequencing, gene expression analysis, and metabolomics, to identify the genetic mutations and environmental exposures that contribute to drug toxicity.

Forensic toxicology analysis involves a variety of techniques, including gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and immunoassay. These techniques are used to identify and quantify the presence of substances in biological samples and to determine their chemical properties and toxicological effects. Forensic toxicologists use these techniques to analyze a wide range of substances, including drugs, alcohol, pesticides, and heavy metals.

Interpretations of forensic toxicology results are based on a combination of scientific knowledge and clinical experience. Forensic toxicologists use their expertise to interpret the results of their analysis and to provide expert testimony in court. They may also be involved in developing protocols for drug testing and in providing guidance to law enforcement and medical professionals.

Reporting from the laboratory to the courtroom is an important aspect of forensic toxicology. Forensic toxicologists must provide clear and concise reports that are easy to understand and that are supported by scientific evidence. They must also be able to defend their findings in court if challenged by opposing counsel.

In conclusion, forensic toxicology is a complex and dynamic field that plays a crucial role in criminal investigations and legal proceedings. It involves the analysis of substances found in biological samples to determine their presence and concentration and to identify the cause
cause of death or injury. The field encompasses a wide range of substances, including drugs, alcohol, pesticides, and heavy metals, and is constantly evolving to keep up with new developments in science and technology. Forensic toxicologists use a variety of techniques, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug interactions, toxicogenomics, and forensic toxicology analysis, to determine the effects of drugs on the body and to develop antidotes and treatments for drug overdose. Interpretations of forensic toxicology results are based on a combination of scientific knowledge and clinical experience, and reporting from the laboratory to the courtroom is an important aspect of the field.

Weight: 1290g
Dimension: 198 x 243 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780128192863
Edition number: 2 ed