Toxicology
Science that turns evidence into answers
Forensic toxicology applies the study of toxic substances, drugs, and poisons for legal and clinical purposes—determining their presence and effects in cases of death, poisoning, or substance use. Using advanced instrumentation (GC, UV, HPTLC, GC–MS), we analyze biological and non‑biological exhibits submitted by Medical Officers and Police for reliable, court‑worthy results—including veterinary and clinical toxicology cases.
Purpose & Scope
Comprehensive chemical analysis to detect, identify, and quantify toxins and drugs in exhibits from homicidal, suicidal, accidental, and clinical contexts.
Legal Reliability
Validated methods, chain‑of‑custody tracking, and defensible reports to support successful prosecution and clinical decision‑making.
Division & Subject Head :
Smt. P. M. Kulkarni
Designation :
Deputy Director
Email :
pallavi.kulkarni65@gov.in
Phone :
91 99229 32337
Cases Received in Forensic Toxicology
Poisoning
Road Accident
Hanging
Drowning
Murder
Burning / Electric Shock
No history
Snake / Scorpion Bite
General Accident
Food Poisoning
Disease / Sickness
Types of Samples
Biological
Viscera, blood, urine, stomach wash, vitreous humour, cerebro‑spinal fluid, bone, nail clippings.
Non‑Biological
Exhibits seized from the scene of crime (articles, residues, containers, solutions).
Clinical & Veterinary
Clinical toxicology for adverse drug effects; veterinary samples to determine cause of animal deaths.
Types of Analysis
Volatile Poisons
Alcohols and solvents; typically screened by headspace GC and confirmed by GC‑MS.
Non‑Volatile Poisons
Drugs, pesticides, alkaloids; screened via TLC/HPTLC, confirmed with HPLC/GC‑MS.
Inorganic Poisons
Metals and ions; specific wet‑chemistry and instrumental methods as required.
Acids / Alkalis
Corrosives; qualitative and quantitative assessment with validated procedures.
Plant Poisons
Phytotoxins; targeted extraction and chromatographic profiling.
Analysis Procedure
1. Preliminary Tests
Rapid screening to indicate presence of common drug and poison classes.
2. Confirmatory Tests
Specific, validated methods to identify target analytes with high certainty.
3. Advanced Instrumentation
Quantification and structural confirmation using chromatographic and spectrometric tools.
Analytical Techniques
1) Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)
Purpose: Simple screening of drugs, poisons, insecticides, pesticides, herbicides.
Use: Preliminary testing in drug and poison analysis.
2) Gas Chromatography (GC)
Purpose: Separation of volatile compounds in a mixture.
Use: Detects alcohol, drugs, and solvents in blood or tissues.
3) Mass Spectrometry (MS)
Purpose: Identification based on molecular mass; high sensitivity and accuracy.
Use: Confirms and quantifies drugs and poisons (often after GC/HPLC).
4) Headspace Gas Chromatography
Purpose: Targeted detection of alcohol and other volatiles.
Use: Common in DUI and death investigations involving alcohol.
5) High Performance TLC (HPTLC)
Purpose: Detection & quantification of poisons and drugs.
Use: Confirms and quantifies drugs and poisons.
Quality & Chain‑of‑Custody
All examinations are performed under validated SOPs. Evidence is logged, sealed, and tracked throughout analysis to maintain integrity and admissibility.
Reporting & Medical Correlation
After thorough analysis of samples received from Medical/Investigating Officers, a Chemical Analysis (CA) Report is issued. This assists the Medical Officer in determining the cause of death or clinical impact, providing scientifically sound, legally defensible conclusions.