Category: Forensic Toxicology
Advantages and Disadvantages of Drug Testing
Different Types of Drug Testing in Forensic Toxicology Drug testing has come a long way in the development of forensic toxicology. There are many applications for drug testing: criminal charges, post-mortem testing, or even testing in competitive sports. Most notably, pre-employment and workplace drug testing are becoming more prevalent in…
Telling History with Hair
What Forensic Toxicology can Learn from Hair You’re probably aware that most of your hair is ‘dead’. Only the follicle below the skin is alive – this is the part used for DNA testing in other forensic fields. In forensic toxicology, however, the dead part of the hair can reveal…
Comparing Gas Chromatography with Enzymatic Assay
Expert Witness Knowledge Can Affect Your DUI Case According to Okorie Okorocha, “When hiring a forensic toxicology expert witness, you need a qualified professional who really knows what they’re talking about.” The equipment and methods by which we test for the presence of toxins are complex and delicate. Sloppy lab…
The Forensic Toxicology Process
The Forensic Toxicologist’s Process Forensic toxicology is the branch of science that uses chemistry and pharmacology to detect and understand the relation of drugs and toxicants to the human body. The work done by a forensic toxicologist can be used in death investigations, medical investigations, determining dosages of drugs for…
Testing and Toxicology of Designer Drugs
Forensic Toxicology of Designer Drugs There are several goals of forensic toxicologists, including improving methods to identify and analyze samples from a person that may indicate a presence of drugs. This type of service can be used in a number of scenarios, from murder investigations, to employee drug testing, to…
The Difference Between Forensic Toxicology and Pharmacology
Forensic Toxicology & Pharmacology: What’s the Difference? Both forensic toxicology and pharmacology involve the study of the effects of drugs on biological systems, where drugs refer to any man-made or natural substance that has either a biochemical or psychological effect on the recipient. There are, however, significant differences between these…
An Expert Witness Analyzes Field Sobriety Tests
An Expert Witness Can Help Disprove Problematic Field Tests There are many issues surrounding field sobriety tests that can raise contentions within a court of law. Often, these concerns can be used by an expert witness to challenge allegations of driving under the influence of alcohol. Field sobriety tests are…
A Forensic Toxicologist Examines Blood and Breath Testing
Forensic Toxicologist Talks Blood Vs Breath Testing In films, police officers are often shown as requesting a breath test after pulling a suspect over. This, however, is an incorrect depiction of what happens. Before an official arrest is made, breath tests are completely voluntary, and thus can be refused. Officers…
Why I Became a Forensic Toxicologist
Why You Should Become a Forensic Toxicologist Forensic toxicology is the merging of two fields: that of forensics – in which tests and techniques are used to detect and determine crimes committed – and toxicology – which is the branch of chemical science that investigates the nature, structure, and effects…
The Science Behind Forensic Toxicology
What is Forensic Toxicology & How is it Useful? What is the crux of forensic toxicology? Forensic toxicology may sound like a bit of an intimidating term so let’s first break it down! Forensics is basically a series of tests and techniques that are used to detect and determine crimes…
How the Frye Standard Affects Your Case
The Frye Standard and Your Expert Witness What exactly is the Frye Standard? The Frye Standard is a legal standard used in court cases dealing with scientific issues. It states that if an expert opinion is based on a scientific technique, procedure, or form of measurement, then the opinion will…
Interesting Facts About Forensic Toxicology
Facts From A Forensic Toxicologist The world of the forensic toxicologist may seem all ‘hard science’ and crime solving to some, but it is actually a diverse and fascinating field with a long history. Toxins and poisons have been studied and used worldwide for thousands of years, and you may…
