Substances of abuse Flashcards
(20 cards)
How are gases measured in analytical toxicology?
By means of gas chromatography.
What defines volatile substances in toxicology?
Liquids that vaporize at ambient temperatures.
What types of agents fall under corrosive agents?
Mineral acids and bases.
What is a common challenge in analyzing anions and nonmetals?
They are rarely encountered in an uncombined form.
What are nonvolatile organic substances typically composed of?
Drugs, pesticides, natural products, pollutants, and industrial compounds.
What is essential for interpreting experimental results in toxicology?
The chemical must be pure or the nature of any contaminant well-characterized.
What factors can cause chemical degradation during toxicological studies?
Contact with air, exposure to radiation, interaction with vehicle constituents.
What is the role of analytical methods in toxicology?
To determine the bioavailability of a compound under study.
What types of poisons are typically analyzed in postmortem toxicology?
Over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, drugs of abuse, and gases.
What should be collected before embalming in toxicological investigations?
Body fluids and tissues.
What can hair analysis measure in toxicology?
Exposure to heavy metals and drugs of abuse.
What should be analyzed first in cases of oral poison administration?
Gastrointestinal (GI) contents.
What is the major organ of excretion for most poisons?
The kidney.
What is an example of a drug that might be involved in cases of sexual assault?
Alcohol, common drugs of abuse, or other psychoactive drugs.
What are common drugs of abuse involved in sexual assault cases?
- Alcohol
- Benzodiazepines
- Phenothiazines
What is the most prevalent biological matrix for forensic drug testing?
Urine
What methods do individuals use to attempt to mask drug use in urine tests?
- Ingestion of diuretics
- Adulteration with bleach, vinegar, or other products
What are some examples of other alcohols or glycols that may cause intoxication?
- Methanol
- Isopropanol
- Ethylene glycol
What factors contribute to individual variability in drug therapy responses?
- Rate of drug absorption
- Distribution and binding in tissues
- Rate of metabolism and excretion
- Pathological conditions
- Drug interactions
What ongoing challenges do forensic toxicologists face?
- Substance abuse
- Designer drugs
- Pollution concerns
- Worker safety and health
