Brain Tissue: A Viable Postmortem Toxicological Specimen

Brain tissue may be a valuable specimen in interpretation of postmortem toxicology. The protected and isolated position of the brain eliminates or at least attenuates many of the interpretive challenges with postmortem blood specimens. This study presents data for 30 drug and drug metabolites in cases submitted to the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center for autopsy examination from 2007 to 2014. Drug concentration in heart and femoral blood is compared with the drug concentration in brain tissue. There is a positive correlation of blood to brain concentrations, thus providing another tool for the toxicologist or pathologist to utilize in case interpretation.