Investigation of markers to indicate and distinguish death due to Alcoholic Ketoacidosis (AKA), Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)
A study reviewing toxicology results from 191 post-mortem cases.
Beta-hydroxybutyrate (βHB) is the preferred marker of ketoacidosis.
A βHB concentration >250 μg/mL indicates pathologically significant ketoacidosis prior to death
βHB only needs to be measured if acetone is detected >2 mg/dL.
Vitreous humour glucose should be routinely measured to distinguish DKA from ketoacidosis of other causes and to identify HHS.
Production of identical retention time and mass spectrum for Δ9-THC and CBD following derivatisation with trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA)
The use of TFAA for derivatisation of cannabinoids has been well documented.
When THC and CBD were derivatised with TFAA, the resultant derivatives produced the same retention time and mass spectrum, even though THC has one site available for derivatisation and CBD has two.
This poster highlights the unsuitability of derivatisation with TFAA when analysis of either THC only or THC and CBD is required.
Presented at The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT) meeting in Buenos Aires (2014).
Hair - A valuable resource in post-mortem toxicology
Winner of the John Jackson Award 2007 in recognition of a poster of outstanding scientific merit.
Analysis of hair provides a retrospective record of an individual's drug history prior to death.
This can provide important information to the pathologist, coroner and family of the deceased in understanding both the cause and circumstances surrounding the death.