What is the primary goal of forensic toxicology?
Forensic toxicology identifies and quantifies toxic substances to determine their role in cause of death.
Which specimen is most commonly used in toxicology testing?
Blood is the most commonly analyzed specimen as it reflects recent exposure to substances.
What is the 'lethal dose 50' (LD50)?
LD50 refers to the dose of a substance required to kill 50% of a test population, indicating its toxicity level.
How can postmortem redistribution affect toxicology results?
After death, some drugs redistribute in the body, potentially altering concentrations found in blood samples.
Why is the cause of death different from the mechanism of death?
Cause of death is the disease or injury leading to death, while mechanism is the physiological process resulting in death.
Which organ is most relevant in metabolism of toxic substances?
The liver is responsible for metabolizing most toxins and drugs in the body.
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What is a false positive in toxicology testing?
A false positive is an incorrect result indicating a drug or toxin is present when it is not.
Which scenario best describes acute poisoning?
Acute poisoning occurs when a toxic substance is ingested or absorbed in a short time, causing rapid symptoms or death.
How can carbon monoxide poisoning be detected during autopsy?
Cherry-red discoloration of the skin and elevated carboxyhemoglobin levels in blood are indicators of carbon monoxide poisoning.