Toxicological analysis (1)

What is toxicological analysis?

Answer explanation

Toxicological analysis is the set of procedures and chemical analyses whose objective is to identify and quantify toxic substances, to diagnose poisoning

Why is complex the toxicological analysis?

Answer explanation

•There is a high number of chemical substances (pharmaceuticals, drugs, products for domestic, industrial and agricultural use) that can cause harmful effects, directly or through their metabolites.

•Sometimes the sample size is limited.

•The concentration of the analyte in the sample is small (trace analysis).

•The time available to carry out the analysis is short.

What is the difference between screening and confirmation analysis?

Answer explanation

Screning method is a qualitative method to establish the presence of a toxic compound in a sample. These methods Methods highly sensitive, quick, simple and requires a minimum previous sample preparation.

A confirmation methods is used to confirm positive or negative results and quantify the toxic compound in the sample. They are highly specific but laborious and slow method that require sample preparation.

Some techniques used in Screening methods are...

• GC-MS, HPLC-MS

• immunoassays or Thin Layer Chromatography

• ICP-MS or FAAS

Some techniques used in Confirming methods are...

• immunoassays

• GC or HPLC coupled with MS

• Color test