Alternative Matrices: a case report

Abstract

A 36-year-old Portuguese male hit by a train was found dead on the tracks, with his limbs partially separated and several parts of his body exhibiting severe injuries. The precise circumstances of death were unknown. As in many other similar cases, blood and urine were unavailable. A toxicological study for drugs of abuse in the liver and kidney was performed by solid phase extraction after sonication and homogenization of the samples. The organic phases obtained were evaporated until dryness and derivatized with a mixture of MST FA/TMCS for the analysis of opiates, cocaine and canabinnoids, and with MBTFA for amphetamines. Derivatized extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in selected ion monitoring mode. Morphine, cocaine and its metabolite benzoilecgonine were found in the liver and kidney. No alcohol was found in the vitreous humor. Although blood and urine are the most common and preferred matrices used for toxicological studies involving drugs of abuse, sometimes the choice of specimen is dictated by the case being investigated.