I.

OBJECTIVE: To learn the correct techniques of collecting, packing, and preserving specimens
for toxicological examination.
II.DISCUSSION:
The selection and collection of the correct samples for analysis and their preservatives
are prerequisites in the investigation of poisoning. Detailed instructions should be given to
those who provide the samples so that the integrity of the sample is constantly maintained. The
correct labeling of the samples, their transport and storage should all be part of these
instructions to ensure that the analyst obtain the right samples in the right condition before he
starts hos analysis. An appreciation of how drugs may decompose and how contaminants may
be introduced is also important.

III. PROCEDURE
SELECTION, COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION
The tissue sample taken for analysis should always be chosen bearing in mind the
availability of particular samples and the disposition of the drug or poison concerned. Blood and
urine samples are the most usual specimen collected in clinical cases and to detect doping in
athletes.
In fatal cases, the pathologist can choose any sample although urine and stomach
contents may not be always available. It is essential that all the samples are adequately labeled
and preserved before being transported to the laboratory, and that as much information as
possible surrounding the case is sent to the analyst before he starts his analysis. Labels should
include the person’s name, the sample identity, and the date and time it was taken, among
others.
The samples most often used are stomach contents, blood, urine, liver, bile, brain and
kidneys.
1. Stomach and Contents
The stomach contents (all, however small), stomach washings, vomit, vomit on clothing
should always be submitted. If only part of the total stomach washings is sent, then a note of
the original total volume should be made. Each sample should be packed separately, preferably
in one liter plastic bucket.
These samples are essential for use in general screening procedures. The stomach will
normally contain the highest concentration of the drug after an oral dose.
2. Blood
Two samples of blood are needed as a minimum requirement in postmortem cases. One
sample is at least 30 mL, unpreserved, from an identified source in the body. Flid scooped from
a body cavity must be used instead. The second sample is 2 to 5 mL preserved with at least 1%
sodium fluoride, and is primarily for alcohol analysis. Samples should be thoroughly mixed with
the preservative to ensure it has all dissolved. Blood is the most useful sample for identifying
drugs and for quantitative analysis. Drug and metabolite concentration in blood are most useful
for the interpretation of the toxicological significance of the data by comparison with previously
reported blood concentrations corresponding to the therapeutic, toxic, and fatal conditions.
3. Urine
 All the available urine should be taken and preserved with sodium fluoride or sodium
azide. There are advantages of using urine, namely; the concentration of a drug may be about
100 times than that in blood, and that it is free from protein with a consequent low background
of interference. In contrast, urine has a disadvantage because some drugs are excreted almost
entirely as metabolites in this route.
4. Liver
Drugs tend to be present in higher concentrations in the liver than in the blood and this,
linked in its size, makes it a very useful sample in post-mortem examinations. Liver has been the
most important sample for detecting drugs in forensic toxicology cases for the above reasons.
A 250 g sample in a 500 mL plastic container is usually sufficient for most purposes. It is
essential that the gall bladder be tied off before the sample is taken so that the liver is not
contaminated with bile. Liver is practically useful in cases involving decomposed or exhumed
bodies where blood samples are difficult to obtain.
5. Bile
The gall bladder should be tied off and submitted as a separate item. Bile is particularly
useful in deaths due to morphine-like compounds because it has such a high concentration of
the glucuronides of these drugs.
6. Brain
Brain is particularly useful when investigating deaths due to solvent abuse, e.g. toluene
or chloroform. This is due to the fact that high concentrations that these substances attain in
the brain and because they are obtained after death. This is also true of poisoning due to
cyanide. In as much as the brain is resistant to postmortem putrefaction, samples are very
useful for drug analysis when the body has not been found for some days after death.
7. Lungs
Lung samples are useful where method of administration of the drug is by inhalation.
This is true whether it is a gas such as nitrous oxide, a volatile materials such as solvent, or
powder.
8. Kidney
If heavy metal poisoning is suspected, the kidneys often show historical damage due to
the metal. In addition, the metals causing the damage tend to concentrate in the kidney. If the
metal poisoning is suspected of being a chronic condition, hair (with intact roots) and bone
samples should also be submitted to the laboratory.
PACKING
Disposable containers should be used whenever possible to reduce the possibility of
contamination. Liquid samples (blood, urine, and bile) are best placed in glass containers which
are sealed with a liner that is impervious to the sample. Liners made of rubber and similar
materials should be avoided since they may absorb drugs or contribute contaminants to the
sample. Glass may need to be salinized when low concentrations of drugs are present to avoid
absorption onto the walls.
Plastic containers are useful for solid samples (e.g. liver), since the drug will not come in
contact with the walls of the container. The container size should be chosen for each sample
such that the container is full, so that loss of volatile components or oxidation of the drug by
atmospheric oxygen is reduced to a minimum. Lids should always be airtight and the container
must be fully labeled. Each container should be placed in a polyethylene bag which is then
sealed for further security.
When all the samples from one individual are ready , they are best packed in a
cardboard box for the protection of the containers; and then placed in a polyethylene bag to
ensure that the box does not get wet during transit to the laboratory. Relevant hazard warning
labels should be always placed on the bag. At all times during the sampling procedure, eating,
drinking or smoking must be prohibited.

IV. CONCLUSION
1. a. What is the advantage of urine sample/specimen for the detection of drugs and poison
over blood
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b. What is the disadvantage?

2. What is the purpose of the preservative sodium fluoride? Will the addition of sodium fluoride
ensure a valid measurement of the original alcohol concentration?

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3. For alcohol analysis, what is the primary specimen to be used?_________________________

4. If the drug or poison was taken orally, in what specimen or sample can you find its highest
concentration? _______________________________________________________________
5. What is the most useful and best sample for toxicological analysis in cases involving
decomposed or exhumed bodies? _______________________________________________________

6. What visceral organs are often used in toxicological examinations?

7. Which specimen is best suited for solvent and cyanide poisoning? ______________________
8. Why is urine the sample of choice for the detection of doping in athletes?
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9. In case of poisoning by inhalation, what internal organ should be submitted to the laboratory for

examination? _______________________________________________________________________

10. What is the best container for liquid samples for toxicological examinations?___________________

For solid samples? ____________________________________________________________________

11. Why should the containers for visceral organs, blood and urine be disposable?
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