[Strategy for investigation of forensic autopsy cases where drugs or poisonous substances are involved].

Abstract

In recent years, the number of drug- or toxin-related criminal cases has gradually increased, and accordingly the establishment of precise forensic autopsy examinations and appropriate chemical analysis is of urgent importance so that such cases are not overlooked. To this end, the author has set up a general instructional objective comprising "preparation of the most suitable analytical procedures for elucidation of drug- and/or poison-related cases in a forensic medicine laboratory". Specific objectives within the general instructional objective consist of the following: 1) securing adequate manpower, 2) swift acquisition and accumulation of the latest scientific information, 3) sufficient examinations during forensic autopsy, 4) appropriate collection and storage of human tissues, 5) enforcement of preliminary tests and routine examinations, 6) selection of proper analytical procedures and instruments for qualitative and quantitative analysis, 7) establishment of reliable quantitative analysis, 8) signification of quantitative data, 9) preparation of an accurate analytical report. In our laboratory, we have been able to analyze many kinds of acidic and basic substances as well as volatile hydrocarbons, alcohol and carboxyhemoglobin through the use of absorptimetry, gas chromatography, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography, however it is thought that more skillful techniques should be developed as soon as possible with regard to the analysis of inorganic and water-soluble agents.