The improvements in forensic toxicology and its role in the forensic process. The interpretation of results (II)

Abstract

Despite progress in the development and validation of analytical methods. In the meantime, the challenges in interpretive forensic toxicology remain persistent, since it is no easy to establish a causal link between the concentration of a compound in biological samples and its impact on a real case. A proper interpretation of results is required to ascertain their relevance and to ensure that the investigator or jurist can make the most of the utility of the trace within the framework of the investigation or within the courtroom.

Because of their complexity and frequent presence at toxicology laboratories, in this article, we have focused our attention on the interpretation of results in drug-facilitated offences, in cases where hair samples are involved and in cases related with postmortem investigation. Following this review, the advances in analytical results interpretation in the selected cases, are being mainly conducted towards metabolic studies.

In cases of drug-facilitated crimes, it allows to extend the detection window and identify low concentration consumption markers for fast-clearing compounds. Regarding hair metabolomics analysis, recent studies can assist us to determine the deterioration caused by cosmetic treatments or to elucidate the difference between consumption and extern contamination, which are a well-known factor affecting the interpretation of hair analysis. Concerning postmortem results, progress is intended to ensure better reference data, to the study of drug-to-drug interactions as well as to the application of metabolomics and to the acknowledgment of the genetic variances related with drugs metabolism, location, and mechanism of action.