Forensic Toxicology

Forensic Toxicology is a scientific discipline which applies the techniques of toxicology to matters concerning criminal or civil law, involving the investigation of biological samples such as blood, urine, or other body fluids or tissues, as well as environmental samples, to detect the presence of hazardous substances or toxicants. It assesses the levels of toxicants in the body to determine whether an individual's exposure to those substances is sufficient to cause the symptoms and signs reported. Forensic Toxicology uses scientific methods and techniques to determine the presence, concentration, and potential effects of toxic chemicals in human biology, as well as to predict the cause of death and incapacitation of an individual. It is used for a variety of applications, such as determining the cause of death in criminal cases, determining the presence of drugs of abuse in accident victims, and investigating suspected cases of poisoning. Forensic Toxicology plays an important role in both criminal and civil justice systems.