Toxicology: Methods of Analysis, Postmortem

The analytical processes used to assess the presence of foreign substances in postmortem specimens require consideration of a number of factors. The main specimen is blood, provided it is taken from a peripheral site, such as the leg to reduce artefactual changes in concentration. Urine and vitreous humor should be collected if available. Gastric contents and a section of liver should be also collected in some cases, particularly suspected poisonings. Methods used for initial testing and confirmation are very similar to antemortem drug investigations.