STATE FORENSIC SCIENCE LABORATORY

The Toxicology section undertakes extraction and analysis of various "Poisons & Drugs" from visceral samples which include volatile, non-volatile, synthetic and plant poisons, metallic poisons, insecticides, alkaloid, tranquilizers, sedatives, hypnotic drugs, anesthetics, antibiotics, chemicals, poisons etc. The exhibits also include nail, hair bones and body fluids like blood, urine, gastric lavage, vomitus etc. The analysis of these autopsied samples of tissues and other body fluids will help in.

• Estimating precise "cause of death" by analyzing poisonous substance found in bio-matter
• Quantification of residual poisons or drugs whenever possible
• Determination of drunkenness from blood and urine
• Use of instrumental methods of analyzing trace amount of poison in biological matter

• Visceral matter / body fluids (for poison analysis- Stomach, Stomach contents, small intestine, Liver, Kidney etc) should be collected and preserved scientifically by the medical officer. The quantity of Visceral matter / body fluid is as follows: Stomach: as a whole, Stomach content:~100 gm, Small Intestine: 20-35 cm long, Liver:~100 gm, Kidney: one half of each Kidney, Body fluid: ~20 ml.
• In case of preservation of biological matter, saturated solution of Sodium Chloride (common salt) should be used as preservative. In cases of acid poisoning, rectified spirit should be the preservative for visceral matter.
• For suspected case of Alcohol poisoning, Blood (5-10 ml) should be preserved using Fluoride / Liquid Paraffin. Urine sample (5-10 ml) can be directly sent for Alcoholic analysis.
• In case of carbon monoxide poisoning, 10-20 ml blood should be collected using liquid Paraffin as preservative and should be kept in an air tight container.
• For gaseous poisoning (Carbon monoxide, Coal Gas, Hydrocyanic acid, Ammonia, Hydrogen Sulphide etc) in general, blood samples and lung tissues should be collected and preserved.
• In case of suspected poisoning by heavy metals (Arsenic, Antimony, Lead, Mercury, Cadmium etc) and the sample of scalp Hair, Nail cutting / scraping, long bones (Femur) should be preserved and forwarded.
• Cases having history of drug poisoning (barbiturates / opium / anesthetics etc) the nails, hairs, brain, spinal chord should be preserved and forwarded along with viscera.

Important Documents which should be submitted along with Viscera Box:

• A copy of the Surathal report, F.I.R if available and brief facts of the case submitted by the police and case sheet viz, name, sex, and age of the deceased and time at which P.M. examination was carried out, and account of final illness and list of drugs to which the deceased has accessed.
• A copy of the Autopsy (P.M.) report with detailed observations and findings. It should also clearly mention the specific type of the poison or drugs for the detection, for which the viscera is sent and also mention if any additional analysis is required. If there is any previous analysis/ medical treatment done, reference should also be mentioned
• A forwarding letter by the I.O. requesting to examine the submitted sample and informing the findings to the medical officer and indicating the viscera box is transported by the constable authorized to do so.
• An authorization letter from a Magistrate or relevant officer to the Chemical Examiner to examine the viscera.
• If possible, the statement of the witness relating the symptoms developed and the behavior of the deceased before death. This is not mandatory but can save the examination time of the expert.

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