Extraction Methods and Analysis

This chapter examines the critical role of extraction methods in forensic analytical toxicology, emphasizing their importance in isolating and identifying toxic substances in common biological and environmental samples. It outlines the goals of forensic toxicology—primarily the detection and quantification of poisons—and traces its historical evolution, including significant advances such as solvent extraction and modern instrumental techniques such as chromatography and mass spectrometry. The chapter distinguishes between directed analysis (for known toxins) and undirected and general unknown analysis (GUA), crucial for systematic toxicological analysis (STA) introduced in 1978. It highlights the importance of sample preparation and addresses the challenges posed by matrix effects. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need of selecting optimal extraction procedures for specific poisons, sample types, and analytical situations.