GraceG
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Yes, in such cases tox screens are always done. However, unlike TV forensics where the specimens are gathered in minutes and results take hours, in real life the collection and analysis take MUCH longer.What are some reasons LE would not give out manner of death yet? Are there any reasons besides perhaps still waiting for some toxicology tests?
Standardized procedures are followed for gathering samples at the scene of a death to ensure reliable analysis. Then the medical examiner/pathologist will take further samples at autopsy. All specimens, which may include urine, blood, hair, bone or organ tissue samples, are handled in a documented chain-of-custody fashion. Blood may be taken from the femoral leg vein or heart and is often preserved with sodium fluoride. Tissue and fluid samples may be collected from the brain, liver, kidney, vitreous humor (clear jelly from inside the eye), cerebrospinal fluid, bile, and gastric (stomach) contents.
All of the procedures and analyses are conducted for medico-legal purposes under exacting science procedures and legally defensible standards, which includes initial AND confirmatory testing. This is because the results may be used in a court of law.
Typical drugs and substances and that may undergo toxicology screening for a forensic toxicology report includes prescription drugs (e.g., benzodiazepines, barbiturates, opiates, amphetamines), over-the-counter substances (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen), volatiles (e.g., chloroform, ethanol [alcohol], acetone, isopropanol, methanol and toluene), illicit drugs (e.g., cocaine, heroin, marijuana, PCP, methamphetamine), and drug metabolites (break-down products of drugs)
The testing is done at a lab with board-certified forensic chemists and multiple test runs may be conducted. Testing may involve immunoassay, gas chromatography, or gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). (Unlike TV where someone just looks through a microscope and says “we have a suspect!”)
Additionally, once toxicology results are available, there is an internal review process for quality control, and board-certified pathologists and toxicologists may be consulted. The final toxicology report may include field evidence at the scene of the crime or the possibility of fatal drug interactions. Overall the process can take up to six weeks or longer.