Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology

Forensic Science is the use of

Science and technology to enforce
civil and/or criminal law.

Forensic Chemistry- is the

application of chemical principles in
the solution of crimes. It is one of
the branches of Forensic Science
• Ex. Gunshot residue – use of chemicals
• Fingerprint – use chemical
• Questioned documents – use of chemicals in
the examination of papers
 Practice of Forensic Chemistry
1.Collection Or reception of the
specimen
a. Sufficiency of Samples
b. Standard for comparison
c. Maintenance of Individuality
d. Labelling and Sealing

2.The actual examination

3.The communication of the results of
the examination
4.Court appearance.
 Practice of Forensic Chemistry
Scientific Crime Scene Processing

-the process that includes proper

recognition, collection, handling,
preservation and documentation of
physical evidence at the crime scene
Six Golden Rules in the Practice of
Forensic Chemistry

•1.Go Slowly
•2. Be thorough
•3. Take Notes
•4. Consult others
•5. Use imagination
•6. Avoid complicated theories -
•Physical evidence – materials found
in connection wit the investigation
which aid in establishing the identity
of the perpetrator or the
circumstances under which the crime
was committed or which in general
assist in the prosecution of the
criminal
Types of Physical
Evidence
(a) Corpus Delicti – the body of the crime or fact of specific loss or
injury sustained; the evidence essential parts or elements in the
commission of the crime

(b) Associative evidence - the kind of evidence which links the

suspect to the crime scene.Ex. Weapons, tools, garments, prints
that might have left by the suspect in the crime scene

c) Tracing evidence – articles that assist the authority to locate the

criminal . Stolen goods, tapes in the possession of the suspect
•What is corpus delicti in dangerous drugs?

• -the dangerous drug seized from the accused

constitutes the corpus delicti of the offense. Thus, it is
of utmost importance that the integrity and identity of
the seized drugs must be shown to have been duly
preserved.
 DRUGS - A drug is a chemical substance that brings about physical,
physiological, behavioural and/or psychological change in a person taking it.

Medicinal Drugs Dangerous Drugs

A substance affecting the central

A substance which when nervous system which when
taken into the human taken into the human body
body cures illness and/or brings about physical, emotional
relieves signs/symptoms or behavioural changes in a
of disease. person taking it.
Under RA 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive
Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the term prohibited and
regulated was changed into dangerous drug with the
following classification:

•1. Immediate precursors - a chemical substance used in the

clandestine manufacturing process becomes incorporated in
full or in part into the final molecules of a substance under
international control.
• - substances which the Board of Pharmacy has found to
be and by regulation designates as being the principal
compound commonly used or produced primarily for use,
• ex.Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are precursors used
in the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine but can be
substituted with P-2-P, phenylacetic acid, APAAN, APAA and a
number of non-scheduled substances
Under RA 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive
Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the term prohibited and
regulated was changed into dangerous drug with the
following classification:

•2. Essential chemicals - chemical substance used as

reagent or solvent in the illegal manufacture of
controlled substances.

• solvents
• metals and salts
• strong acids or bases
Under RA 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive
Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the term prohibited and
regulated was changed into dangerous drug with the
following classification:

•3. Catalyst- a substance that increases the rate of a chemical

reaction without itself suffering any permanent chemical
change.
• Ex. palladium, platinum
EXAMINATION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS
Drug Identification - is a branch of Forensic Chemistry that deals with the
scientific examination of drugs and volatile substances.

Two phases in the examination of alleged confiscated Dangerous Drugs

1. Screening test/Preliminary test 2. Confirmatory Test

(a.k.a. color test)
• It is employed to reduce the family or
group of drug to a small and
manageable number.
• Screening test includes a series of
color tests ,
• This is done by adding specific reagent
to unknown sample in a spot plate.
• Confirmatory test is the method employed
to confirm the results of the
screening/preliminary test.
• This test involves the application of an
analytical procedure to identify the presence
of a specific drug or metabolites.
EXAMINATION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS
Drug Identification - is a branch of Forensic Chemistry that deals with the
scientific examination of drugs and volatile substances.

Two phases in the examination of alleged confiscated Dangerous Drugs

1. Screening test/Preliminary test 2. Confirmatory Test

(a.k.a. color test)
• It is employed to reduce the family or
group of drug to a small and
manageable number.
• Screening test includes a series of
color tests ,
• This is done by adding specific reagent
to unknown sample in a spot plate.
• Confirmatory test is the method employed
to confirm the results f the
screening/preliminary test.
• This test involves the application of an
analytical procedure to identify the presence
of a specific drug or metabolites.
Color test
• This test will indicate the presence of a sought-for
substance in a questioned sample.
1. Screening test/Preliminary test (aka color test)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0wrA8avR2k
DRUG EXAMINATION POSITIVE RESULT

CANNABIS FAST BLUE SALT PURPLE RED

DUQUENOIS -LEVIN VIOLET
COCCAINE WAGNER (specific test for cocaine) BROWN
CT (cobalt thiocyanate) BLUE
SCOTT BLUE
SHABU SIMON BLUE
MARQUIS ORANGE to BROWN
ECSTACY SIMON BLUE
OPIUM MARQUIS VIOLET
MECKE BLUE TO GREEN
MORPHINE MARQUIS VIOLET TO REDDISHPURPLE

CODEINE MECKE BLUE TO GREEN

NITRIC ACID ORANGE TO YELLOW
HEROIN MECKE BLUE TO GREEN
NITRIC ACID YELLOW TO GREEN
 1. Screening test/Preliminary test (aka color test)
DRUG EXAMINATION POSITIVE RESULT

HEROIN MECKE BLUE TO GREEN

NITRIC ACID YELLOW TO GREEN
barbiturates Dille-Koppanyi test reddish purple

Methamphetaraine HydroChloride Simon test Blue

Marquis test Orange to brown

Ecstacy: Simon test Blue

Methaqualone and Phencyclidine CT test Blue

Lysergide or LSD: Ehrlich Violet

Mescaline: Marquis test Orange

Liebermann Black
2. Confirmatory test
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7W_RF3GAqY

Chromatography is the process of separating mixture and

comparing the migration of each component
with standard.

Spectroscopy a confirmatory method whereby light is used to

identify the sample specimen.

Fourier - Transform Infrared Used for the identification of pure organic

Spectroscopy(FTIR) substances.
 Components of gunshot
residue
GUNSHOT
RESIDUE
1.Primer or lead residue
2.Gunpowder residue
3.Elemental component from
cartridge case
 GUNSHOT RESIDUE EXAMINATION

Purpose:
Gunshot residue exam (KNO3
74.64%;Charcoal 13.51%'sulfur
11.85%)
inations are performed to help the
investigators in determining whether
:
• a person has discharged a
firearms or not;
• whether a firearm was
discharged or not;
• gunshot range or the distance
of the shooter to the victim.
 Purpose:
• Gunshot residue examinations are
GUNSHOT performed to help the investigators
RESIDUE in determining whether :
EXAMINATION • a person has discharged a firearms
or not;
• whether a firearm was discharged or
not;
• gunshot range or the distance of the
shooter to the victim.
 Paraffin Test / Diphenylamine (DPA) test/dermal nitrate test - To
determine whether a person has discharges a firearm.

Positive result - blue specks with “tailing”

GUNSHOT • - blue color indicates the reaction of nitrates with DPA

sources give false positive reaction.
- nitrates from others

RESIDUE Substances giving false positive result: (CONGLOMERATION ONLY)

EXAMINATI
ON 1.Fertilizers 5.Explosives

2.Certain cosmetics 6.Tobacco

3.Food samples 7.Urine

4.Cigarette
Question: Is paraffin test result conclusive evidence? Why?
Answer: No. It is just corroborative evidence which intends to support the
testimony of eyewitness/esp., There are instances wherein a person who actually
discharged a firearm would still give a negative result to the paraffin test because of
several factors.

Question : What are these factors?

Answer:
1.Types of caliber of ammunition 5.Direction of firing
2.Use of gloves 6.Wind direction and velocity
3.Length of the barrel 7.Humidity
4.Age of the gun/efficiency of mechanism 8.When 72 hrs has lapsed (3 days)
 PURPOSES:
DETERMINATIO
N OF GUNHOT
TO DIFFERENTIATE SUICIDE
RANGE FROMHOMICIDE

TO DIFFERENTIATE CHARACTERISTICS
PATTERNS PRODUCED BY FIREARMS
FIRED FROM DIFFERENT DISTANCES
In ascertaining the gunshot range (GSR) ,
the examiner should observe the ff:

1.Entrance and Exit holes

-entrance hole is smaller than exit hole.
-entrance hole is inward , exit hole is
frayed outward

2.Powder residue pattern

(Burning, Singeing,
Smudging, tattooing)
THE INVESTIGATOR WILL LOOK FOR :
GSR PATTERNS

• Nitrates 0-2 inches Gaping hole, Nitrates, metallic fragments,

burning, carbon collar (blackened area),
singeing
•Metallic fragments
•Soots 2-36 inches Nitrates, some metallic fragments,
smudging, burning, carbon collar,
•Carbon collar tattooing, soot

Beyond 36 No nitrates, only carbon collar

inches
GAPING HOLE (0-2)
 CAN THEFORENSIC CHEMIST DETERMINE THE
PROBABLE GUNSHOT RANGE AFTER THE
FOLLOWING CONDITIONS?

The area surrounding the bullet hole is heavily stained with blood
ANSWER : YES! because nitrates and other signs of gunshot can still
be seen

•The clothes worn by victim is colored black

ANSWER : YES! But harder , the chemist can tease / tassel the cloth so
that nitrates can be seen

•The victim is not clothed

ANSWER : YES ! The skin will be the basis. Get skin sample and check for
tattooing, burning.
 I M P O RTA N T T E R M I N O L O G I E S

•Burning – if the gun was fired in direct contact to the target

•Scorching or singeing – burning , if the gun was fired 1-2 in from target
•Smudging – the dirty appearance made to the target, if the gun was fired
around 2-8 in from the target
•Tattooing – black coarsely peppered pattern, made if the gun was fired
1round 8-18 in from the target
 FIREARM EXAMINATION
•Lucas test – characteristic smell that lasts up to 2 weeks
•Odor – ( hydrogen sulfide odor) – smells like rotten egg, lasts about 10
hours
•Odor of barrel – (rusting odor) no rust can be detected if firearm has not
been discharged
•Presence of nitrates by cotton swabbing ( soot )
•Dermal nitrate test – presence of gunpowder nitrates on the hands of the
shooter
•AAS –(atomic absorption spectrometer) – test for the presence of metallic
fragments
 TRIVIA

ENTRANCE HOLE EXIT HOLE

Gunpowder is present and is slightly burned No gunpowder

Smaller diameter of hole bigger

inward outward
EXPLOSIVE AND EXPLOSION
These explosives have very fast of high detonating
rate like dynamites, TNT, and Cyclonite (RDX).

dynamites, TNT Cyclonite (RDX).

Some common commercial explosives

1. Blasting caps 5. Boosters

2. Safety Fuse 6. Slurries or gels
3. Detonating cord 7. Black or Smokeless powder
4. Blasting agents
HAIR
 Trichology is the scientific study of hair.

Light microscopy - the examination of

human hairs in the forensic laboratory

Forensic scientists perform three major

HAIR types of hair analysis.
• 1.Chemical assays are used to assess the use of
illegal drugs,
• 2.to screen for the presence of heavy metals in the
body,
• 3.and to test for nutritional deficiencies.
 ANATOMY OF HAIR - The
hair can be divided into
three parts,

Hair is composed
PARTS OF primarily of proteins
(88%).
HAIR
These proteins are of a
hard fibrous type known
as keratin.

The hair shaft has three

layers the cuticle, cortex
and medulla
 1. Cuticle is the outer layers and protects the
inner layers. It is transparent, a single layer of
scales.

2. Cortex is the layer between cuticle and

PARTS OF medulla. This contains pigment and keratin.
HAIR Cortex determines the bulk and strength of hair
and also the hair color.

3. Medulla is the innermost layer composed of

large cells.
 HAIR
Inner Aspect:
Cuticle – outermost part which is scale-like in appearance
Cortex – innermost portion that contains the pigment
Medulla – the central canal of the hair
Outer Aspect:
Tip – the distal end portion of the hair
Shaft – portion of the hair above the surface of the skull
Root – portion that is embedded in the skin
 
HAIR

PRESENCE OF DNA
The root of the hair has cells that
contain DNA, which can be used
for DNA analyses.

Microscopic comparison of hair

collected from two different places
is used to determine if the hairs
are from the same person or
animal.
 SIX DIFFERENT TYPES OF
HAIR ON THE
HUMAN BODY:
• head hair,
• eyebrow and eyelash hair,
HAIR • beard and moustache hair,
• body hair,
• pubic hair, and
• axillary hair.
 presence of illegal drugs or heavy metals

HAIR
race of an individual ,

ANALYS part of the body the hair came from.

ES Although hair will not necessarily reveal someone's gender

and age, color-treated and longer hairs generally come from
a woman,

and hairs that are devoid of pigment are usually from

someone who is elderly.
N AT U R A L LY
SHED HAIRS,
SUCH AS A HEAD
HAIR DISLODGED
THROUGH
COMBING,
D I S P L AY
UNDAMAGED,
CLUB-SHAPED
ROOTS.
A HAIR
F O R C I B LY
REMOVED
FROM THE
SCALP WILL
EXHIBIT
STRETCHING
AND DAMAGE
TO THE ROOT
AREA.
 FORCIBLY
REMOVED
HAIRS
MAY HAVE
TISSUE
ATTACHED
.
HAIR
AFFECTE
D BY
BURNING
 H A I R S T H AT
O R I G I N AT E F R O M A
B O D Y I N A S TAT E
OF
DECOMPOSITION, A
D A R K B A N D M AY
APPEAR NEAR THE
ROOT OF THE HAIR.
THIS
CHARACTERISTIC
HAS BEEN LABELED
A POSTMORTEM
ROOT BAND.
 Hair comparisons are not a basis for absolute personal
identification.

It should be noted, however, that because it is unusual to

find hairs from two different individuals that exhibit the same
microscopic characteristics, a microscopic association or
match is the basis for a strong association.
TRIVIA However, Hair evidence is only of value when used in
conjunction with other evidence.

Hair samples which do not have DNA will help assess the
drug intake history of an individual
 HAIR
A. Inner Aspect:
1. Cuticle – outermost part which is scale-like
in appearance
2. Cortex – innermost portion that contains
the pigment
3. Medulla – the central canal of the hair

B. Outer Aspect:

1. Tip – the distal end portion of the hair

2. Shaft – portion of the hair above the
surface of the skull
3. Root – portion that is embedded in the skin
 
 HAIR

Human hair Animal hair

Cuticl Finer scales Coarser cuticle

e

Corte Thicker
x

Medu Intermittent, absent Contineuos

lla
- The human medulla can
be easily view in
white/gray hair, because
it highlights the darkness
of medulla
PAINT

•Paint evidence is encountered in

hit-and-run and burglary cases
•Most examinations consist in
comparing two or more paints to
establish their origin often color,
make and model of a vehicle can be
determined
https://meet.google.com/szw-tpzj-gfr?fbclid=IwAR1bhqu6HbbrBO3Ck_XFhrpsU
Eivf2yxj-Bqch2tKPlS1NX6qMtb7Qr2SbE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RNtVjOdVMc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-ypSgKyP0o

ULTRAVIOLET,
ULTRAVIOLET EXAMINATION is a
method of scientific examination of
evidence using ultraviolet light.
Documents weapon, chemical, minerals,
petroleum products and other ultraviolet
lamp.
Method of Examination : Only suitable
ultraviolet lamp and darkroom are
necessary for ultraviolet examination.
The room should contain adequate
table space on which garments and
other items to be examined may be
spread. The evidence is being placed
under the ultraviolet lamp.
ex. marked money
•https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kC2-F2tDUo
•FIBER/FABRIC EVIDENCE
• Fabric, composed of knotted or woven yarns, shall be
examined in terms of colors, composition and construction.
Question fabric may be determined if similar to known fabrics.
Positive identification may be made where a questioned piece
of fabric may be fitted back into known fabrics. This type of
fabrics examination is based on matching broken ends of yarn
together.
•Fiber may be identified as to type, color and matching
characteristics based on laboratory microscopic, micro chemical
and melting point examinations. Generally, fiber are matches
are not positive evidence, and require substantiation with
i=other corroborative evidence.
•https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQXphNev6bE
•https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ozuc3KmYgiE
•TAPE
• The examination is similar to fabrics examination which
generally involves the matching of the ends of pieces of tapes
used at the scene of a crime with the end of tape on a roll
found in the possession of a suspect.
• Cordage in the form of rope and string is examined in
terms of composition, color, diameter and construction. The
known sample is compared with the unknown and occasionally,
ends may be matched or the manufacturer may be determined.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=__LSbXAO6cI
Gas chromatography - is used to determine
FORENSIC the chemical make-up of
binder material.
the

EXAMINATI Infrared spectrophotometry - is also used to

determine the binder
ON OF composition of paint.
Elements of the paint pigments can be
PAINT identified with a number of techniques,
including spectroscopy, neutron activation
analysis, and x-ray diffraction
GLASS

•https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=72QZ7wzrVcQ&t=308s
•In forensics, emphasis is placed on :
•Automobile – (safety glass) there is
fiber in the middle of the glass
• Broken windows caused by pressure,
blow or bullet in robbing cases
GLASS FRACTURES

1. RADIAL CRACK – Primary fracture,like

spokes of wheel where radiating rods
originates from a common point
2. CONCENTRIC CRACK – Secondary
fracture, appearance of circles around
the point of impact connecting one
radiating crack to the other, thus
forming triangular pieces of glass.
3. CHONCHOIDAL CRACK – elevation
and depressions in the shape of a shell
Three theories where the forensic
examination of glass fractures are based
1. The glass will bend towards the direction where the
force is applied.

2. Stretching of the glass occurs in the opposite side of

the glass surface where the force is applied.

3. When the tensile strength of the glass is

exceeded, the glass breaks.
 POINT OF IMPACT
ENTRANCE EXIT

CONCENTRIC FRCTURE RADIAL FRACTURE

CLEAR CUT EDGES RUGGED EDGES

NO DEPRESSION WITH DEPRESSION

NO FLAKING WITH FLAKINGS

 GLASS
POSITION OF THE SHOOTER

1.Perpendicular shot – exhibits an even distribution of chippings on

the exit of the glass
2.Angle from the right – heavy flaking or chippings on the left side
or the glass
3.Angle from the left – heavy flaking on the right side of the glass
 AGE OF FRACTURE
•FRESH – regular pattern of cracks

•OLD FRACTURE – presence of short extension lines at the end

of the radial cracks
MOULAGE
•MOULAGE – is a faithful reproduction
of an impression using a casting
materials

•IMPRESSION – a strong mark made by

pressure that goes below the surface

•SHELLAC – sprayed on the footmark to

preserve it. It will harden the impression
 •Chemicals used in moulage
•Sodium Chloride – used to make
the hardening process faster

•Sodium Carbonate – used to

MOULAGE harden the moulage/ cast

•SHELLAC – sprayed on the footmark

to preserve it. It will harden the
impression
MOULAGE
MOULAGE
 PRINCIPLE : “WHE A NUMBER OR ANY MARK IS
TAMPERED ON A METAL, THE CRYSTALLINE STRUCTURE
OF THE METAL IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF THE STAMP IS

RESTORATI
DISTURBED”

ON OF CHEMICALS USED :
Chemical/Reagents Used in Macro-Etching examination:

TAMPERED 1. For Iron and Steel: Cupric Chloride + Hydrochloric Acid +

water

SERIAL
2. For Aluminum: Nitric Acid + water
3. For Lead: Glacial acetic acid + Hydrogen peroxide

NUMBERS TYPES OF NUMBER

STAMPED – PRESSED INTO METAL SURFACE
ENGRAVED – PRESSED ELECTRICAL OR MECHANICAL
GADGET
EMBOSSED – RAISED FROM THE SURFACE
Serial number restoration
 ALCOHOL
•LIQUOR TEST / ALCOHOL DETERMINTION TEST
• TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF ETHYL ALCOHOL
• PRESENT IN THE BLOOD
• Laboratory Examination

• Quantitative examination is conducted to determine the amount of

ethyl alcohol present in the blood.

• Significance of determining whether a person is intoxicated with alcohol

• Intoxication as an alternative circumstance must be taken into
consideration as aggravating or mitigating according to the nature and
effects of the crime and the other conditions attending its commission.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwWAKQV-vqw
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxbzop17LT8
ALCOHOL
• 0.05% of alcohol in human
blood indicates that the
individual is intoxicated

The intoxication of the offender shall be

taken into consideration as a mitigating
circumstance when the offender has
committed a felony in a state of
intoxication, if the same is not habitual or
subsequent to the plan to commit said
felony; but when the intoxication is
habitual or intentional, it shall be
considered as an aggravating
circumstances.
 TOXICOLOGY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlSTET7wYZU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt9YJx_TfHI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBHZyhzttQo

Toxicology is a scientific study of poison, their nature, properties, effects and detection
and the treatment; and methods of detection.
Toxicological examination are requested in cases if sudden and unexplained deaths.
Specimen submitted:
1.internal organs and stomach contents
2. suspected source of poison
If not fatal, the vomits, blood and urine are examined.
In cases of mass food poisoning, identification of the poison is important not only in
investigation but more in the treatment of the victims.
Importance of Toxicology
a. To verify if it is a case of poisoning
b. To be able to treat as the occasion demands
c. To forward justice
Poison is a substance that when introduce into
or absorbed by a living organism causes death
or injury.
Poison is a substance capable of producing
adverse effects on an individual under
appropriate conditions. Adverse effects refer to
the injury (structural damage of tissues) and an
appropriate condition means the dosage of the
substance that is sufficient to cause this
adverse effect.
1.True poison – is one that still poisons no matter
how diluted it is.
E.g. Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)
2.Corrosive Poison – is one which by contact with
it chemically produces local destruction of tissues.
• E.g. Nitric Acid (HNO3), mercuric chloride-acid
poison used as herbicides.
• 3.Cumulative poison – is one that increases
suddenly its intensity of action after gradual
additions on it.
• E.g. digitalis; arsenic
 Toxicology
Three (3) Major Case Load Areas
1.Police Cases – toxicological aspects of criminal investigations
2.Postmortem Cases – analytical studies on support of the medical
examiner to determine the cause of death
3.Drug abuse cases – resulting from the illegal use of drugs.
Toxicology

Methods of Examination
Two (2) stages of examination :
1. Isolation - When the submitted specimen is in pure form, the
poison must first be isolated. This procedure does not only limit the
search to a manageable class of poisons but also reduces the
interference from other substances that may occur during the
identification stage.
2. Identification - The method employed for poison identification of is
specific.
Preliminary examination : microscopic examination and flame tests.
Confirmatory test : establish the presence of poison.
Infrared (FT-IR), spectrophotometer
Gas chromatograph (GC)
Toxicology
• Father of Toxicology
Paracelsus – (16th Century) German
Swiss physician/alchemist; first stressed
the chemical nature of poison and its
action by experimentation. He introduced
dose concept.
Toxicology
• Father of Modern Toxicology

• Prof. Mathieu Orfila – (19th

Century) attending physician to Louis
XVIII; correlated chemistry of toxins
with the biological effects it produces in
a poisoned individual.
Toxicology

A.Classification based on Origin

1. Animal/Toxin –a poison produced by living
organism stimulating antibodies. Usually
transferred through bites and stings of
venomous terrestrial or marine animals.
2. Vegetable – poison Ivy and Jimsonweed
plants
3. Mineral – Hydrochloric Acid, caustic alkali
4. Microbial – Produced by microscopic
organisms Ex. bacteria, fungi
5. Synthetic – Manufactured by chemist such
as drugs, pesticides as well as chemical
purified from natural resources such as metals
from ores and solvents from gasoline.
Toxicology
 Toxicology

Entrance and Elimination of Poisons

Poison may enter the body Poison may be eliminated

through:by:
• Mouth Emesis
• Skin Pespiration
• Nose and Eyes Feces
• Rectum and Vagina Urine
• Hypodermically Milk
• Intravenously Sweat, Saliva, and Tears
Posology is a science which deals with the study of the dosage of
medicine to be administered within a certain period.
Antidotes are any agent that neutralizes a poison or otherwise
counteracts or opposes its effects.
a. The remove the poison from the body: emetic
b. It may mechanically prevent its absorption (demulcent):
cathartic
c. It may change the physical state or chemical composition (e.g.
Na2SO4 for Barium)
d. It may act upon the functions of the body so as to overcome
the effect as of its absorption.

Kinds of Antidotes
a. Chemical or true or specific
b. Mechanical antidote or antidotal measure
c. Physiological antidote or antagonist or symptomatic antidote
Gross weight
- refers to the weight of the sample plus the weight of the
container.

Net weight
It refers only to the weight of the sample without the container.
 Emetics – is an agent that causes vomiting.

Cathartic – is an agent that produces intestinal evacuation.

• Uses of Cathartics:
• 1. To remove the compound that is formed by the action of the chemical antidote.
• 2. To hasten elimination of poison.

Demulcent – is an agent that forms a protective film; soothes and protects the parts
POSOLOGY

where demulcent is applied.

Precipitants – are substances that prevent absorption poison by precipitating them

and rendering them insoluble.

Causes of Death in Poisoning

1. Cardiac failure 3. General devitalizing

2. Respiratory failure 4. Shock to the nervous system

DNA or
Deoxyribonucleic acid
•DNA or Deoxyribonucleic acid is a chemical substance found in all
cells whose composition has been passed on from parent to their
children.
•All cells in the body have the same DNA composition except
individual egg and sperm cells.
•Biological evidence that can be usedfor DNA Analysis:
• a) Blood and bloodstains
• b) Semen and seminal stains
• c) Hairs with follicle or root
• d) Saliva or buccal swab
• e) Bones and organs
• f) Tissues and cells
DNA or
DeoxyriboNucleic Acid
•Cases where DNA Analysis can be of help:
•a)Sexual assault
•b) Murder
•c) Homicide
•d) Robbery
•e) Extortion
•f) Paternity case
•g) Identification of remains from mass
disaster cases
DNA or Deoxyribonucleic acid
TRIVIA :
• Human tissues such as hair strands, blood strain, saliva, and
other body tissues are often left in the crime scene. By proper
collection, preservation and examination through DNA test of
such pieces of tissues, their owner can be identified.
• Cells have nuclei, and therefore DNA, are found throughout the
human body.
• Blood, sperm, hair roots, bone, teeth, organs, muscle. and other
tissue all contain DNA which can be tested by forensic scientists.
• Body fluids in liquid or dried form, such as saliva and vagina
secretions, can also be tested, such as saliva and vagina
secretions, can also be tested, inasmuch as these fluids normally
contain cells referred to as “epithelial cells”, such as those from
the lining of the mouth and vagina.
BLOOD - Blood refers to a highly complex mixture of cells, enzymes,
proteins and inorganic substances.

Two (2) main Components of blood :

1. Plasma (55%) - fluid portion of blood composed principally of water.
2. Suspended solid cells (45% of blood content)

a. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) – transport oxygen from the lungs

to the body tissues and in turn remove carbon dioxide from
tissues/organ and transporting it out to the though lungs.

b. White blood cells (leucocytes) - clear colorless cell that protects body
from disease (soldiers of the body)

c. Platelets - small round blood cell that helps blood to stop flowing
from a cut by becoming thick and sticky

•
 BLOOD

• Blood clotting - when a protein in blood called fibrin is trapped and

enmeshes red blood cells, blood clothing occurs. Removing clotted
blood yields a yellowish liquid called serum. This yellow liquid
contains certain antibodies is called antiserum.
 BLOOD

FOUR PHASES OD BLEED EXAMINATION

1)Preliminary test
2)Confirmatory test
3)Precipitin test
4)Blood Grouping
BLOOD
1)Preliminary test - HEME is detected
Spot Test – test for the presence of Blood:
The screening test for blood are used to determine the
PEROXIDASE activity of the blood.

a. Benzidine test – Exhibits blue color if the result is

positive.
- More sensitive than phenolphthalein
test, it gives result even the sample is in very little
amount
b. Phenolphthalein test – (Kastle –Meyer test )exhibits
pink color for positive result
c. Luminol spray – not used anymore
BLOOD

HEMOGLOBIN

It is a proteinous substance present

in the red blood cell and which is
responsible for carrying oxygen,
nutrients and wastes to the different
tissues of the body of both humans
and animals. It gives blood its red
color.
BLOOD
2. Confirmatory Tests :
a. Takayama test – gives salmon pink color, rhombic
crystal test, in positive
result
b. Teichmann test – not used anymore because
because this test is not so sensitive
BLOOD
2. Confirmatory Tests :
b. Teichmann test – not used anymore because
because this test is not so sensitive
BLOOD

3. Precipitin test
• - used to differentiate human from
animal blood
• the presence of white ring (precipitin
band) in the test tube is indicative of
human blood
4 PH ASES O F BLOOD
EXA MINATION

4. ABO Blood Grouping – Karl Landsteiner

In this blood typing system, the presence or
absence of the A and B antigens on the red blood
cells that determines the blood type of a person

• still used to confirm paternity

(possible blood types of offspring) even
if DNA test is still to be done.
• If the result is negative, it is conclusive
• If the result is positive, it is not
conclusive, it has to be confirmed by
DNA test.
BLOOD

Blood sample is needed in the following cases

1. Stabbing cases – let the medico legal touch the blood from
the suspect of victim

2. Hit and run or vehicular accident

3. Rape cases – nails of the victim

Preservative : Sodium Fluoride (NaF)

 BLOOD
• Antibody - is a protein that destroys or
inactivates a specific antigen. Usually denotes
a prefix “anti”.
• By principle, for every antigen, there
exists a specific antibody. The reaction of
the two is specific. When the two reacts, they
immediately combine causing the antibody to
attach itself to the cell.
• Two (2) antigen-antibody reactions
• a. Two different antigen and antibody will
not combine. Example: Anti B and A antigen.

• b.Link together or agglutinate.

 This term is used to describe a broad
Serology scope of laboratory tests which used
specific antigen and serum antibody
reaction.
History of Forensic Serology

Before the 20th century, physicians have

tried to transfuse blood from one
individual to another. Their attempt often
ended in failure because the transfused
blood had a tendency to coagulate in the
body of the recipient causing an
instantaneous death.
 BLOOD

•B L O O D A G G L U T I N AT I O N
•“ “ F O R E V E R Y A N T I G E N , T H E R E I S A S P E C I F I C
_________”?”

•Anti sera A – Blue reagent

•Anti sera B – Yellow reagent
- If there is clumping in anti sera A, the bllod type is A
- If there is clumping in anti sera B, the bllod type is B
- If there is clumping in anti sera Aand B, the blood type is AB
- If there is no clumping either in anti sera A, or B, the blood
type is O
SEMEN

3 types of seminal
examination
• Physical
• Microscopic
•Chemical
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
A.Fresh Semen
o odor – fishy
o Color – white
o feel/touch – slippery
o appearance – gel- like ( jelly)
o Character when exposed to air for 1
hour – becomes liquid
o reaction with litmus paper - alkaline
SEMEN

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Seminal Stain
o odor – fishy
o Color – shiny white
o feel/touch – starchy/brittle
o appearance – white , clear crystals
o Color under ultraviolet light – bluish
o Presence/absence of reddish tint –
presence of blood cells in rape case
MICROSCOPIC
EXAMINATION
•The normal sperm count of a healthy male
individual who is not impotent and who has
not undergone vasectomy will range from
70,000,00 to 150,000,000

•Fresh semen – saline solution is added as

preservative and diluant

•Seminal Stain – stained with methylene

blue for better viewing.

• Preservative : 10% formalin ( TOLOUL)

SEMEN

•C H E M I C A L E X A M I N AT I O N

•Florence Test : a drop of florence reagent is

added
•Positive result : color – dark brown
•Shape of crystals : rhombic crystals is formed
when mixture dries up
•Name of crystals : CHOLINE PERIODIDE crystals
•
SEMEN

•C H E M I C A L E X A M I N AT I O N
•B A R B E R I O S T E S T – A L C O H O L S O L U T I O N O F
P I C R I C A C I D I S A D D E D A S R E A G E N T.
• P O S I T I V E R E S U LT : C O L O R – D A R K B R O W N
• S H A P E O F C R Y S TA L S : N E E D L E S H A P E D
C R Y S TA L S I S F O R M E D W H E N M I X T U R E D R I E S
UP
•N A M E O F C R Y S TA L S : S P E R M I N E P I C R AT E
Thank You for Listening

Dr. Aileen M. Maningas