Chapter 16 ‘General unknown’ analysis

Publisher Summary The three major tasks in the forensic toxicological analysis of a given specimen are: (1) to detect if the specimen contains any harmful substance(s); (2) to identify the substance(s) involved; and (3) to quantitate the substance(s) involved and to interpret the outcomes in regard to the reason for carrying out the analysis. This chapter explains that the three steps of detection, identification, and quantitation are mandatory. The first two relate to qualitative analysis and often go hand in hand, yet are by far the most difficult. Depending on the circumstances or the purpose, two approaches can be distinguished. In this chapter, the principles of systematic toxicological analysis (STA) and the present state of the art is discussed. Since organic substances with molecular weights in the order of 100–400, are most often encountered, the primary focus is on the qualitative analysis of these substances. Thus, the ultimate aim of STA is: (1) to detect all toxicologically relevant agents present and to identify them beyond reasonable doubt; and (2) to exclude the presence of all other relevant agents.