If Shantina is dead and the body isn't found for a while (weeks or months even) would an autopsy/tox screen accurately show whether or how much she drank that night?
Such an interesting question but complex to answer. Performing a tox screen on the deceased often times is conducted by a forensic pharmacologist with a specialty in the dead. I am a pharmacist who works with the living. lol
However, pharmacology is a huge part of our training and therefore I understand a great deal of the terminology, chemistry, and explanations.
Not knowing when Shantina will be found I would say the number one method used to come up with a blood alcohol level would be:
1.
vitreous fluid within the eye for determining the alcohol level (it is 99% water). Considered to be very accurate.
If an intact bladder - urine could be used (gives average levels over perhaps hours)
Alcohol does NOT remain in the stomach very long - it is rapidly absorbed into the blood during life...so a HIGH gastric content would indicate recently ingested alcohol prior to death.
There are a couple metabolites (fatty acids etc) that could be found in the hair; these tests are not very accurate and very complex.
The absorption, distribution, and excretion of alcohol is affected by body weight, stomach content, gender, physical illness, medications, liver and kidney function, to name just a few. The metabolic breakdown and pathways make it difficult to explain in simple lingo. Please remember - alcohol is considered a drug.
Just a couple simple suggestions for a very complex topic. Hope this helps those with questions.
ETA: I don't know the effects of salt water on the eyes - that may make a huge difference.
Also, a blood test would be great, but not knowing the condition of the body or when it will wash on shore, I stick with the vitreous fluid in the eye.
fftopic:
