Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
1. describe different types of poisons, including metallic poisons, volatile poisons, insecticides, animal poisons and vegetative poisons as well as poison factors influencing their action;
2. describe the samples required for toxicological analyses and the methods of collection and preservation;
3. explain the different analytical methods and procedures used for detection, isolation and estimation of poisons and toxins;
4. describe proper procedure for documentation of laboratory test results and report preparation; and,
5. describe the role of forensic toxicologist as an expert witness.
Course Contents
Metallic Poisons:- arsenic, mercury, bismuth, lead (nature, administration, symptoms, post- mortem findings, detection and medico-legal aspects). Insecticides:- organophosphorus compounds, organochlorine compounds and carbamates (nature, administration, symptoms, post-mortem findings, isolation, detection, estimation and medico-legal aspects). Volatile poisons:- methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, chloroform, and acetone (nature, administration, symptoms, post-mortem findings, isolation, detection, and estimation, medico-legal aspects). Toxicology of alcohol:- introduction, definition of alcohol and illicit liquor. Proof spirit, absorption, detoxication and excretions of alcohol. Problems in alcohol cases and difficulties in diagnosis. Breath test instruments, field sobriety testing, analysis of blood for alcohol. Cases of drunken driving. Analytical techniques in the analysis of alcohol. Miscellaneous Poisons:- animal poisons: snake, scorpions and other insects. Vegetable Poisons: opium, datura, oleander, madar, abrus precarious, castor, cannabis, nux vomica, cyanide, etc. (nature, administration, symptoms, post- mortem findings, isolation, detection and medico-legal aspects).
