CCST9030 - 2nd Quiz (Lectures 6-11)
What is the toxicological analysis of tissue?
1. Collect body fluid samples from organs and tissues 2. must be done right after a person's death
What are the microscopic tests?
1. Morphology 2. Microcrystal 3. Microcrystalline Tests
What are the five major drug types?
1. Narcotic 2. Hallucinogenic 3. Depressant 4. Stimulant 5. Anabolic steroids
What is the scheme of analysis?
1. Preliminary visual examination Weigh all samples, select representative samples, screening tests (separation or confirmatory tests) 2. ¼ quantitative analysis 3. ½ other tests are appropriate
What is the general procedure for the recreational drug test?
1. Visual examination: naked eyes, low-power microscope 2. Important with plant materials/powders that are not uniform 3. Determine weight/volume of sample 4. Narrow number of possible substances presumptive/screening tests or confirmatory test 5. Conserve drugs present for re-analysis 6. Non-destructive tests before destructive test (if the sample is too small) 7. Choose tests with as much information as possible (quantitative/qualitative)
What are the different causes of fires?
Accidental, natural, undetermined, arson, fire accelerants
What are the signs of fake paintings?
Altered frames; glued paper on back; cut painting from original size; recently added labels or artist listings; new stretcher bars on old canvases; old nail holes; signatures on paintings that look inconsistent with the art
What is forensic toxicology
Analysis of alcohol, drugs, poisons in body fluids, organs and/or tissues. Also deals with measurement of alcohol in the body for matters that violate law
What is Gas Chromatography?
Analyzing compounds that can be vaporized Separating different volatile components of a mixture
What can be a poison?
Anything can become a poison if it exceeds the threshold of the person's ability to deal with it
What are alcohol levels in the body?
Appears blood rapidly and concentration slowly increases when absorbed from the stomach and the small intestine into the bloodstream When maximum level is reached, post-absorption period begins
What is stylistic analysis?
Based on comparison of the style of unidentified object to a known body of work → 3 important aspects of the origin (place, period, purpose)
What is the lab simulation of chip pan fire?
Beaker with wax heated until it catches fire → water poured into beaker Water sinks to bottom and evaporates instantly → plume of burning liquid wax into air
What is a drug?
Biological/chemical substance that will alter biological functions and metabolism
What are the biological specimens used in toxicology?
Blood and Urine
What specimens are to be analyzed if it depends on the relevancy to toxicological interpretation?
Blood and urine have more value and there is more literature data for drug levels in blood
How does an intoxilyzer work?
Breath tester operates on the principle of infrared light absorption: set volume of breath Captured breath exposed to infrared light Blood alcohol conc. Determined from absorbed light intensity
What may investigators do when attempting to authenticate? (forensic methods)
Carbon dating + White lead dating, Thermoluminescence + Craquelure, Microscopy → Fluorescence under UV light ,Infrared + Raman spectroscopy . ,X-ray diffraction + fluorescence, Atomic absorption, spectrophotometry
What is the flame ionization detector?
Carbon-containing compounds exit column are burnt and current produced are measured
What is the point of origin (POO)?
Cause of fire may be near to origin Fire usually burns longer at origin → area with worst damage Fires tend to burn upwards → lowest point of burn damage If accelerants/ignition devices used → may be present Multiple point of origins may indicate arson
What are property measurements?
Chemical + physical properties of materials change upon exposure to oxidative, hydrolytic or mechanical forces Depends on history of exposure or use of materials Changes may be predictable
What are the reagents for the scott test?
Cobalt thiocyanate in water + glycerin: turns blue Concentrated HCL: turns pink Chloroform: turns blue in layer
What does the Scott Test, test on?
Cocaine
What are the steps to recover and identify accelerants?
Collect evidence and samples Looking for objects that do not belong Concentrate where suspected accelerant container was found Store samples in container = prevents contamination Extract fire debris Carry out instrumental analysis Interpret results
What are the common forms of LSD?
Colorless, odorless, tasteless liquid. Attacks multiple sites of the CNS
What is the chemistry of explosion?
Combustion reaction - major difference is the speed of reaction Damage caused by rapidly escaping gases + confinement
Where are narcotic drugs found? What do they do?
Comes from opium from poppy, and relieves pain by depressing CNS by inducing sleep. Creates Physical dependence
What are the properties of mercury (toxic metal)?
Concentrates in nerves, liver, kidneys Short term memory deterioration; lack of concentration Quick mood changes
What is the second drug identification process?
Confirmatory test: e.g spectroscopy or chromatography
What are the different types of toxicology specimens?
Conventional vs non-conventional
Where are opiates from? What are the examples of opiates?
Derived from opium and are beneficial drugs. E.g morphine, heroin
What is the toxicology of alcohol?
Detection + isolation of drugs for determining influence on human behaviour
What is the Van Urk/Ehrlich's Test for LSD?
Detection methods: hard due to small dose Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) followed by spectrofluorimetry (blue)
What is scientific analysis?
Determining the materials + techniques of objects Qualitative vs quantitative Destructive vs non-destructive Chemical vs physical Organic vs inorganic
What is the statistic for breath tests?
Direct correlation person's blood alcohol concentration + breath alcohol concentration
What is the pharmacology for methamphetamine?
Displaces neurotransmitters. Causes increased amount of compounds to be released.
What are spot tests?
Done on spot plate → destroy sample → not specific to particular drug Negative test: good indicator for absence of controlled substances
What is the saliva drug screen or oral fluid-based drug screen?
Drugs in oral fluid specimen bind to specific antibody
What are the examples of stimulants?
E.g cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine. There would be increased alertness → fatigue + loss of appetite
What are low explosives?
Escaping gases up to 3000fps Crucial element: physical mix of oxygen and fuel E.g black + smokeless powders Black: mix of potassium nitrate + charcoal + sulfur Smokeless: nitrocellulose or nitroglycerine
What is the identification of accelerants through sample preparation?
Example of procedures Paint containing debris is identified by unique case + item no. Diffusive flammable liquid extraction (DFLEX) device inserted Can is put into oven and heated After heating, DFLEX devices in separate glass vials and volatile products are desorbed with a solvent
How is BAC analysed?
Field Sobriety tests, breath tests, blood, GC analysis
What is the fire triangle?
Fire occurs due to exothermic reaction of combustion (HEAT) Presence of combustible material needed (FUEL) Fuel and oxygen to continue Fire is a self-sustaining chemical chain reaction
What is artistic style
Forger may: copy original item or try to create "new work" Thorough examination of piece can determine authenticity Forgers used artistic methods inconsistent with original artists Incorrect characteristic brushwork Different Perspective or preferred themes Claim that forged work is slightly different copy: may mit details typical to artist or add anachronisms
What are microcrystal tests?
Formation of distinct microcrystals → mix chemicals w/ drugs
When will combustion continue until?
Fuels are consumer/removed Oxidizer is quenched Fuels cooled below ignition temperatures (removes heat)
What tech is used for hair drug screening?
Gas chromatography or mass spectometry
How can you locate accelerants by instruments?
Gas detectors - Detection of hydrocarbon vapors produced by accelerants - Advanced ones can detect several combustible gases at the same time UV light fluorescence Helps to locate accelerant residues
what is the general class of poisons?
Gases, volatile poisons, metallic poisons, non-volatile organics (acids, bases, etc.)
What are stimulants?
Group of synthetic drugs that stimulate the CNS which brings psychological + physical exhilaration.
What are the types of questioned documents?
Handwritten, typewritten, digital
What are the properties of lead? (toxic metal)
Hard to detect at first: children who appear healthy: high levels Accumulation is gradual: if unnoticed = dangerous Symptoms are nonspecific: irritability, loss of appetite, weight loss, anemia, nervous system damage, mental retardation, etc.
What is radiation heat transfer?
Heat transmitted through space by electromagnetic radiation by infrared radiation (thermal radiation) No contact b/w heat source + heated object Examples: heat from sun or filament of a light bulb
What are microcrystalline tests?
Identify specifically by color + morphology of crystals formed Rapid, does not require isolation of the drug Size + shape of crystals highly characteristic of the drug Reagents: platinum chloride, sodium acetate, mercuric chloride
What is the preliminary examination?
If large number of samples → Segregate into groups Determine if homogeneous Whether crystals have been coated onto plants Hygroscopic materials (cocaine) aggregate + discolored
What does the marquin solution do?
In opium derivatives it turns purple but orange brown with amphetamines + methamphetamines
What are the challenges to handwriting comparison?
Insufficient no. of known samples for comparison
What is the pharmacology of cocaine?
Interferes with the normal reuptake of neurotransmitters
What is extraction in instrumental analysis?
Isolating and concentrating vapors from solid debris
What is a lethal dose?
LD50 (standard measurement of acute toxicity) per kg of body weight
What are the evidence of accelerants?
Large amounts of damage Unusual burn patterns High heat stress Multiple sites of origin
What are the two main types of explosions?
Low velocity → e.g ammonium nitrate for mining High velocity → e.g TNT to boost low velocity explosives
What does the Duquenois-Levine test for?
Marijuana
What are hallucinogens?
Marked changes in normal thought processes, perceptions + moods
What groupings are all substances based on?
Medical Use, Potential Abuse, Safety/dependence liability
What is the analysis of explosives?
Microscopy Thin layer chromatography Visualise w/ Griess Reagents: nitrate (TNT) detected with red pink colour Infrared spectrophotometry Detonator fragments
What is the pharmacology for morphine and heroin?
Molecule fits and blocks into a specific receptor site on a nerve cell. Heroin is more fat soluble than morphine → crosses blood-brain barrier easily Hydrolysed to morphine
What is marijuana?
Most well known hallucinogen. Derived from cannabis or hemp.
What is cocaine?
Naturally occurring alkaloid in coca plant
What is illumination?
Object's morphology (size, shape texture) or optical properties revealed through different wavelengths of light Appearance of objects change depending on the type of examination used Light covered by red/yellow filters can reveal writing under stains
What are the purposes of fire investigation?
Origin of fire - likely cause - whether it was natural, accidental or deliberate Ensure similar events do not occur again → allow legal investigation to be conducted
What is the difference between an original manuscript vs forgery?
Original: speed, consistency, uniform strength, pressure, carelessness Forged: slow, hesitating hand, uneven pressure, bold weak strokes of ink mingled
What is the stimulant for methamphetamine?
Period of exhaustion + period of depression Structure is similar to dopamine
How is fire spread by heat transfer?
Physical process by which heat moves from one area to another Types: conduction, convection, radiation
What is a mass spectrometer?
Positive identification of a molecule Highly sensitive Breaks molecule into ionised fragments + detecting fragments using mass-to-charge ratio
What does cocaine do? How is it inhaled?
Powerful stimulant to CNS → increased alertness → suppression of hunger, fatigue, boredom Usually sniffed or snorted into body through mucous membranes of the nose
What is scanning electron microscopy (SEM)?
Produce images at extremely high magnification Composition of individual pigment layers investigated Can identify chemical elements in each layer by energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS)
What are the categories of dependence on drugs?
Psychological dependence: caused by emotional needs Physical dependence: physiological need for a drug → "withdrawal symptoms" Bad consequences and is involuntary
What is colorimetric testing?
Qualifier for classes of chemical compounds Presence of class of chemical compounds determined → investigators to select appropriate analysis method Preliminary screening allows for faster processing of samples → speed up investigation
What is elemental analysis?
Qualitative + quantitative instrumental analytical device for identifying both organic + inorganic elements Measurement or graph created serves as a fingerprint of unknown component to be matched with known material
What is dust explosion?
Rapid combustion of fine particles suspended in air within enclosed location Frequent hazard in coal mines/grain elevators + other industrial environments
What are club drugs? Examples?
Refers to synthetic drugs used at bars. Eg. MDMA, Ecstasy, Ketamine: all CNS depressants
How is the breathalyzer used?
Reflects alcohol conc. in the pulmonary artery Device for collecting + measuring alcohol content of alveolar breath Low cost, highly accurate, rapid systems Strict quality control ensures proper calibration
How do you identify the real thing?
Requires combined expertise of historians, connoisseurs, archivist, conservators + scientists → must analyse the legal, historic, social, scientific significance
What is radiography?
Reveals change in density + physical structure of an object
What is the first drug identification process?
Screening - but is difficult in ensuring specific identification and can be identified in a quick test. e.g color, microscopic tests, ACID/BASE extraction, etc.
What is general toxicological screening?
Screening for controlled drugs (e.g opiates)
How can you locate accelerants by sniffer dogs?
Searching post-fire scenes for presence of flammable/ignitable liquids by their smell Can detect scents that are weak/masked by odors
What are the properties of arsenic poison?
Semi-metallic naturally occurring chemical Toxic if consumed in large amounts Small-long term exposure = slow death Cancer, diabetes, liver disease, etc. Nervous system disorders, hearing difficulties, etc, Killed Phar Lap: died from internal bleeding
What are the different imaging techniques?
Spectral imaging, infrared light/reflectance/luminescence, ultraviolet radiation, hyperspectral imaging, digital enhancement imaging
What are the common methods of sample preparation?
Steam distillation Vacuum distillation Solvent extraction Charcoal sampling Swept headspace
What does crack cocaine do?
Stimulates the brain's pleasure centre and creates euphoric feeling (impossible to overcome addiction)
What is a scene examination?
Strictly controlled to preserve evidence to allow authorized only Scene + evidence fully documented Entry point + signs of forced entry identified
What are depressants?
Substances that depress the functions of the CNS Calm irritability and anxiety → may also induce sleep
What is the pharmacology of cannabis?
THC binds to cannabinoid receptors. Causes anti-anxiety and pleasurable effects. Inhibits enzyme. Marijuana does not cause physical dependence → but long term psychological dependence in heavy use
What is imaging?
Taking photos of the crime scene or evidence Digital photos admissible in court/documentation of crime scene/physical evidence/digital image analysis/spectral imaging
What is the autoignition temperature for liquid fuels?
Temperature required for liquid to start combustion without external source of ignition
How is alcohol eliminated?
Through oxidation and excretion
What is optical microscopy?
Tiny paint chips removed from painting - different components of paint is observed → sliced to give cross-sections (determines if there were any restorations done) but quite destructive
What is intent?
To deceive or commit fraud or larceny must exist in most jurisdictions for a crime of forgery to be charged
What is a hair drug screen?
Trace amounts of target drug/metabolite in hair follicle → entrapped (shows estimation of duration of exposure to drug)
What are the materials + techniques of paper making?
Type of paper: fibres from indigenous plants (depends on location) Ingredients to change chemical + physical properties of paper Hand-made vs machine-made
What are gasoline residues?
Typically hydrocarbons → compounds best characterized by gas chromatography Thin-layer chromatography useful for screening debris
What are solid fuels?
Unburned fuel is heated up to flash point and flammable gases start being evolved Evolved gases mix with oxygen - ignited → energy in form of heat + light Flames often visible Output of flammable gases too low to sustain a flame - charred fuels will glow
What is the principle of individuality in handwriting comparisons?
Unselfconscious handwriting of 2 diff. Individuals never identical because of difference in technical, physical, mental functions
What are the fire effects on certain materials can indicate direction of fire?
V-shaped smoke/burn patterns found on surfaces adjacent to fire End of V pointing towards point of ignition Smoke deposits on object surfaces suggest direction from which fire originated
What are high explosives?
Velocity of escaping gases up to 10,000 fps Oxygen contained in fuel molecule Initiating: sensitive, will detonate readily when subjected to heat/shock Non-initiating: insensitive, needs heat or shock to detonate
What are ammonium nitrate based explosives?
Water gels, emulsions, ANFO's (ammonium nitrate/fuel oil)
What is the science behind breath alcohol analyzers?
Wet chemistry Spectrophotometry Gas chromatography (intoximeter) Infrared spectroscopy Semiconductor sensors (tin oxide sensors) Electrochemical analysis (fuel cell)
What is a questioned document?
any document about which some issues have been raised or that is a subject for investigation
What should you take into consideration for historical analysis?
auction records, bill of sale/receipts, catalog of artists If no paper trail = likely to be a forgery Unsigned work that dealer has "heard" to be by an artist = fake
What are the reagents for duquenois-levine test?
chloroform, HCL, ethanol
What is alcohol? What effect does it have on the body?
colorless liquid diluted with water and consumed Effects CNS - mental impairment - motor functions deteriorate
What is codeine?
cough suppressant that is present in opium
What is the meaning of a drug/poison?
diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of disease → Alters/modifies/corrects or restores organic functions in human beings or animals
What are the materials + techniques of media?
drawing/painting/printing
What do screening tests do?
eliminate drugs from consideration + identity of drug
What does UV light do when detecting art forgery?
eveal natural resin varnishes, certain pigments and binders react to UV differently, detect repairs or earlier painting present on canvases
What specimens are to be analyzed if it depends on the objective of investigation?
evidence of acute poisoning can be found in the blood and if you were to track the history of drug intake you could do it through hair
What does the marquis test, test on?
heroin, morphine, opium, amphetamines + methamphetamines
What do forensic toxicologists do?
identification/confirmation and or quantification of drugs and poisons
What does sniffing do?
impairs judgement and can cause liver, heart, brain damage, or death
What are the unique writing traits?
innumerable habitual shapes or patterns
What is the analytical toxicology unit?
investigation of criminal offences and suspicious deaths
What is heroin
made by reacting morphine with acetic anhydride or acetyl chloride
What is infrared imaging?
many pigments are transparent to IR light → penetrate top color layers → makes underdrawing visible
How can a drug heal?
medication to cure and reduce symptoms or used as preventive medicine
What are the different origins of controlled substances?
naturally occuring, synthetic, semi-synthetic
What are the difficulties for forensic toxicologists?
no clues of any type of toxic substance present → drugs at very low levels in a complicated + variable matrix → no single scheme of analysis to detect all toxic substances → Essential for understanding pharmacology
How can a drug be recreational?
ommonly abused + develop dependencies
How can you classify controlled substances?
origin, form, structure
How can a drug kill?
over dosage of drugs is poisonous, can kill people = can be odorless
What are morphology tests?
plant matter, botanical features
Where are substances most often found? (form)
plant, marked tablets, capsules, elixirs, general unknowns
What are tranquilizers?
relaxing tranquility without impairment of high-thinking faculties
What can monochrome sodium arc lamps do?
reveal signatures
What is purge + trap?
sample blown with pure nitrogen being heated in a vessel → gas passes through tube filled w/ absorbent material and material
What are the common types of forgery?
signature, prescription, art, false document, any objects/data "counterfeit"
What is headspace analysis?
solid heated in close vessel to release volatile molecules
how do you determine the authenticity of a document?
stylistic analysis, historical analysis, scientific analysis
What are opioids?What are the examples?
synthetic drugs produce the same effects as opiates. E.g oxycotin and methadone
What are barbiturates?
taken orally and relaxes the body + induced sleep
What is the flash point for liquid fuels?
temperature at which flammable liquid can be ignited by a source
What does power mean in document and art forgery?
the symbolic and visual element
What specimens are to be analyzed if it depends on the what drugs/poisons are examined?
volatile solvents in the brain
