Handbook of Forensic Analytical Toxicology AK Jaiswal, Tabin Millo
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Modern Toxicology Laboratory1

 
INTRODUCTION
A forensic toxicology laboratory is mainly provided with preserved viscera, body fluids and other biological samples for the determination of presence or absence of toxic substances and their metabolites and to evaluate their role as a determinant or contributory factor in the cause and manner of death or suspect case of poisoning. A forensic toxicology laboratory, also plays an integral role in human performance by determining the absence or presence of poisons and chemicals in blood, breath or other appropriate specimens. A hospital medical toxicology laboratory, has to conduct routine biochemical analysis of patients for therapeutic and academic purpose. It has no responsibility to criminal justice process. But a crime laboratory or forensic toxicology laboratory, has responsibility to the prosecution, the victim, the suspect, the society, the police and judiciary.
 
HUMAN RESOURCE
Human resource constitutes the backbone of any system. The personnels employed should be efficient, competent, and technically sound. The number of staff members will depend on the work load of the laboratory and can be segregated in three different levels – administrative, technical and non-technical.
 
Director/Chief Scientist/Chief Toxicologist/Chief Chemist
A forensic toxicology laboratory, should be directed by a person who is qualified by a reason of appropriate education (master degree in chemistry/ forensic science/toxicology) and Doctorate in the field of chemistry/ toxicology and experience to assume the required professional, organizational, educational, managerial and administrative responsibilities. The director should have minimum ten years of fulltime laboratory experience in forensic toxicology laboratory. The director should also have a documented training and experience in the forensic application of analytical toxicology (such as court testimony, research, participation in continuing education programs, including knowledge of evidentiary procedures) that apply when toxicological samples are received, stored, processed, analyzed and toxicological data/reports are submitted as a part of legal proceeding.
 
Responsibilities of Chief Scientist/Chief Toxicologist/Chief Chemist/Director
The responsibilities of Chief Scientist/Chief toxicologist/Chief chemist/Director are:
  1. Maintain and update the standard manual of the laboratory.2
  2. Monitor laboratory practices to verify continuing compliance with policies and procedures.
  3. Evaluate instrument calibration and the maintenance of records.
  4. Periodically, assess the adequacy of the report and review the activities.
  5. Maintain training records of laboratory personnel.
  6. Recommend training to improve the quality of laboratory staff, etc.
 
Forensic Scientists
A forensic toxicology laboratory should have a series of forensic scientists as scientist grade III, scientist grade II, scientists grade I. The grades of scientists are based on their experience and expertise. Senior scientist should be looked upon as an individual with considerable expertize and may serve as a training coordinator for new analysts. He should be skilled in demonstration of competency and allowed to report and testify to the case-works in the court of law.
 
Laboratory Technicians
A laboratory technician should have a minimum of bachelors degree in Natural Science/Forensic Science/Chemistry with hands on experience in Analytical Chemistry/Toxicology and capable of performing variety of test procedures for drugs, alcohol and other chemicals.
 
Laboratory Assistants
A laboratory assistant should have bachelors degree in Natural science. He should be capable of performing various test procedures and maintaining proper laboratory records.
 
Laboratory Attendants
A laboratory attendant should have an intermediate (10+2), in Science. The responsibility of laboratory attendant is to clean the laboratory equipments and arrange the chemicals and glasswares, etc.
 
Non-technical Staff
The non-technical staff consists of clerk, librarian, store-keeper, accountant, viscera cutter, peon and sweeper. The number of non-technical staff should be decided as per the requirement.
 
LOCATION
The forensic toxicology laboratory should be near the mortuary and must have rapid facility for sample transportation. The building should be in area with ample natural light through windows. The laboratory premises should be well- connected by road transport network. It should have sufficient number of vehicles for transportation and travel of laboratory personnel from time to time. The area for the functional purpose in forensic toxicology laboratory, can be divided into various segments.3
 
PHYSICAL FACILITY, AREA AND SPACE REQUIREMENT
Availability of adequate space and area is one of the prime factors, as it provides the foundation for all further planning and development of the laboratory. The space acquired should be sufficient enough to accommodate all the laboratory buildings, including open area for parking, waste disposal or incineration, etc. The laboratory premises should be well connected with road, or with convenient transport network. The area in the main building can be divided into various segments as follows:
 
Reception and Visitor Room (Size 150 sq ft)
Visitor room should always be outside the second security gate.
 
Administrative or Office Room (Size According to Requirement)
It is a place required for all official works.
 
Laboratory Director/Chief Scientist Room (180 sq ft)
Director room should be situated inside the second security gate for the safety purpose.
 
Scientists Room (450 sq ft, Three Cabins of 15 × 10 sq ft each)
It is the room for the scientists to perform works such as documentation, report writing, etc. The room can be divided into cabins according to the number of scientists.
 
Library (360 sq ft)
The scientists and trainees regularly require consultation of reference books, journals, and other literatures during routine case-work and for research purpose. To meet the needs, there must be a library in the laboratory premises, with computer facility and internet connection. It should be fully air conditioned with proper lighting.
 
Conference or Seminar Room (700 sq ft)
There should be a seminar or conference room for seminars, presentations, conferences, meetings, lectures, etc. It should be well-equipped with a computer and a projector.
 
Stores (1500 sq ft)
Proper storage facility is required for chemicals and reagents. Stores of glassware and stationary items should be moisture-free and rodent-free.
 
Chemical Store (200 sq ft)
All chemicals which are used for laboratory working should be present in chemical store. The chemical store should consist of racks divided into blocks 4to store separate chemicals. This room should be air conditioned with proper ventilation.
 
Store for Sample or Parcel (900 sq ft)
It is a place to store samples. Store for exhibits, should be divided into two portions, one for incoming (450 sq ft) case parcels and the other for outgoing (450 sq ft) case parcels. A cold chamber should be present in sample store. It should be divided into parts to store samples to prevent contamination. An ultraviolet lamp should be present inside the room for sterilization destroy the micro-organisms. The switch of UV lamp should always be outside the door of the store room. The sample store should always be near the isolation and extraction unit.
 
Glasswares and Other Consumables (200 sq ft)
It is a place for storing glasswares, gowns, aprons, rubber gloves, gumboots, towels, masks and other consumables.
 
Stationary Store (200 sq ft)
Most frequently required stationary in forensic toxicology laboratory are case files, registers, working sheets, pen and pencils, packing envelopes, boxes, packing cloths, reporting sheets, papers, carbon sheets, marker pens, etc. All stationary articles should be stored in moisture-free room.
 
Document Record Room (180 sq ft)
It is a room to maintain all records related to laboratory work, example—old case files, training records, etc. Regulation policy statement, (the laboratory should maintain procedures to control, that form the part of regulatory system) control the data related to testing and calibration memoranda, related softwares, etc. The entire document that form the part of management system control in various media, whether hard copy or soft copy. Procedure manuals should be reviewed and approved for the authorized personnel and authorized edition of appropriate document should be available at all locations, as required for effective functioning of laboratory. Specialization calibration charts, case file reporting performa, analysis of records, books, literature, journals, memorandum, operation manuals, laboratory manuals, safety measurements, photographs, visitor records, employee's attendance records, reviews, requests, tenders and contract records, technical records, etc.
 
Case Opening Room (225 sq ft)
It is necessary to have a separate case opening room for the purpose of opening the case, parcel. It should be adjacent to the parcel store or preferably in between the parcel store and isolation/extraction room. It should have proper ventilation and exhaust fans.5
zoom view
Fig. 1.1: Pictorial view of the museum
 
Toxicology Museum (240 sq ft)
It is useful to have a toxicology museum for academic purpose. It should have all the poison samples properly preserved and labelled with brief facts about the poison. It can be obtained from the authorized supplier. List of items to be placed in toxicology museum has been listed in Table 1.1. Pictorial view of the museum is shown in Figure 1.1.
 
Area of Sample Analysis
Area of sample analysis can be divided into several sections, such as extraction and isolation unit, screening test unit, sophisticated instrumental unit, washing room, etc.
 
Extraction and Isolation Unit (525 sq ft)
This room is used for extraction and isolation procedure of samples. The extraction and isolation of poison from postmortem samples and other body fluids is a challenging task and the initial step of isolation and purification of compounds is vital for proper analysis and reliable results. The room should have proper ventilation with at least two exhaust fans and fume hood each. The following instruments are essential in this unit:
  1. Glassware
  2. Tissue homogenizer
  3. Steam distillation unit
  4. Ice bath
  5. Ice making machine
  6. Muffle furnace
  7. Oven
  8. Water distillation unit6
    Table 1.1   List of poison samples for toxicology museum
    S. No.
    Scientific name
    Common name
    1.
    Arsenic oxide
    Somalkhar sankhya
    2.
    Copper aceto arsenate
    Hirwa Paris Green
    3.
    Iodine
    Iodine
    4.
    Oxazepam
    Serepax
    5.
    Arsenic trisulfide
    Hartal
    6.
    Mercuric sulfide
    Ras sindoor
    7.
    Sulfuric acid
    Gandhak ka tejab
    8.
    Jatropha curcas
    Ratanjot, jangli, arandi
    9.
    Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
    DDT
    10.
    Aloevera
    Elio
    11.
    Helleborus niger
    Kali kutaki
    12.
    Mercury
    Para
    13.
    Capsicum annuum
    Lal Mirch pisi
    14.
    Semecarpus anacardium
    Bhilawan-marking nut
    15.
    Croton tiglium
    Jamal Ghota Seed or Naepala
    16.
    Camphor-Cinnamomum camphora
    Kapoor
    17.
    Physostigma venenosum
    Sem ka key/Sem ka beej
    18.
    Sodium carbonate
    Washing soda
    19.
    Sapindus trifoliatus
    Ritha
    20.
    Betel nut
    Supari
    21.
    Calcium hydroxide
    Slaked lime
    22.
    Lead sulfide
    Surma
    23.
    Tobacco
    Tambaku
    24.
    Taxus baccata
    Yew
    25.
    Terpene oil
    Terpene oil
    26.
    Sulfur powder
    Sulfur powder, Gandhak
    27.
    Arsenious oxide
    Sankhya
    28.
    Sodium nitrate
    Sodium nitrate
    29.
    Zinc sulfate
    Safed tutiya
    30.
    Ammonium carbonate
    Sal volatile
    31.
    Argemone seed
    Prickly poppy
    32.
    Salicylic acid
    Aspirin
    33.
    Borax
    Suhag tankankhar
    34.
    Boric acid
    Boric acid
    35.
    Barium carbonate
    Rat poison
    7
    36.
    Acetic acid
    Vinegar
    37.
    Paraffin wax
    Paraffin Wax
    38.
    Potassium permanganate
    Lal Dawa
    39.
    Ant poison
    Ant poison
    40.
    Cuccute
    Akesabel
    41.
    Calcium oxychloride
    Bleaching powder
    42.
    Benzene
    Benzene
    43.
    Baygon
    Baygon
    44.
    Bumoel
    Bumoel
    45.
    Barium nitrate
    Barium nitrate
    46.
    Cannabis sativa
    Bhang
    47.
    Abrus precatorius
    Rati or gunja
    48.
    Alum
    Phitkari
    49.
    Quinine
    Quinine
    50.
    Phenol
    Phenol
    51.
    Nitrobenzene
    Nitrobenzene
    52.
    Potassium dichromate
    Potassium dichromate
    53.
    Plaster of Paris
    POP
    54.
    Pearl Ash
    Pearl Ash
    55.
    Powdered glass
    Powdered glass
    56.
    Diamond
    Heera
    57.
    Daucus carota
    Gajar ka Beej
    58.
    Hyoscyamus niger
    Ajwain khurasani
    59.
    Trichloromethane
    Chloroform
    60.
    Carica papaya seed
    Papaya ka beej
    61.
    Barbitone
    Barbitone
    62.
    Hydrocyanic acid
    Karwa badam
    63.
    Naphthalene balls
    Phenyl ki goli
    64.
    Methaqualone and diphasyoramy
    Mandrax-Drimoolis
    65.
    Amphetamine
    Jagne ki goli
    66.
    Myristica fragrans
    Jaiphal-nutmeg
    67.
    Acetyl salicylic acid
    Aspirin
    68.
    Chloral hydrate
    Chloral hydrate
    69.
    Mercuric chloride
    Ras kapoor
    70.
    Datura fastuosa seed
    Datura ka beej
    8
    71.
    Plumbago rosea
    Lal chitra
    72.
    Ipomoea purga
    Jalap
    73.
    Ethyl alcohol
    Sharab, Daroo, Wine
    74.
    Papaver somniferum
    Afim (Opium)
    75.
    Cat fish
    Cat fish
    76.
    Aloes/Eilo
    Elwa
    77.
    Centipede
    Kankhajura
    78.
    Calotropis gigantea
    Madar/Akdo
    79.
    Copper sulfate
    Nila tutia
    80.
    Sodium hydroxide
    Caustic sodas
    81.
    Castor
    Arandi seeds
    82.
    Formalin
    Formol
    83.
    Eucalyptol
    Eucalyptus oil
    84.
    Datura fastuosa
    Dhatura
    85.
    Methyl alcohol
    Methanol
    86.
    Hydrochloric acid
    Hydrochloric acid
    87.
    Nitric acid
    Nitric acid
    88.
    Potassium sulfate
    Potassium sulfate
    89.
    Ferrous sulfate
    Ferrous sulfate
    90.
    Ergotoxine, Ergotamine
    Ergotamine
    91.
    Areca
    Betel nuts
    92.
    Sapindus trifoliatus
    Ritha
    93.
    Scorpion
    Bichoo
    94.
    Red lead
    Sindoor
    95.
    Hydrogen sulfide
    Sulfur gandhak
    96.
    Strychnos nux-vomica seeds
    Kuchila
    97.
    Potassium nitrate
    Kalmi shora
    98.
    Semecarpus anacardium
    Marking nut (Bhilawa)
    99.
    Lead carbonate
    White lead, spheda
    100.
    Malathion
    Malathion
    101.
    Lead acetate
    Lead acetate
    102.
    Lead metal
    Lead metal
    103.
    Magnesium carbonate
    Magnesium carbonate
    9
  9. Hot plate
  10. Microwave digester
  11. Vortex mixer
  12. Desiccators
  13. Centrifuge machine
  14. Water bath
  15. Fume hood
  16. Washbasin with continuous water supply.
  17. Room should be non-air conditioned.
  18. Electronic balance
  19. Top-loading balance
  20. Incubator
 
Screening Test Unit (300 sq ft)
Screening test is required to individualize a specific group of compounds. It can be done by various spot tests, microcrystal test, TLC, etc. The essential requirements for screening tests are listed as follows.
  1. Chemicals
  2. Refrigerators
  3. Standard reference sample
  4. pH meter
  5. Vortex mixer
  6. Gutziet apparatus
  7. Breath alcohol analyzer
  8. TLC preparation system
  9. UV cabinet
  10. Immuno-assay kits and reagents
  11. Sink with continuous water supply
  12. Kits for rapid screening of drugs
  13. Conductivity meter
  14. Melting point apparatus
 
Sophisticated Analytical Instrumental Unit (950 sq ft)
This unit should contain all sophisticated analytical instruments required for qualitative and quantitative estimation of toxic substances in the case samples and research work. The instruments used in forensic toxicology laboratory should be highly sensitive, because the quantity of material involved is extremely small, often in micro and nanogram level. For a sample material to be identified positively, the techniques should be highly specific and rapid. We have listed the instruments, which are required for proper analysis of samples of routine work, research and development activities and, which require separate room for each instrument:
  1. UV and visible spectroscopy.
  2. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). It must be placed in separate cabin, which must be moisture-free and fitted with dehumidifier.
  3. High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC).
  4. Gas liquid chromatography (GLC).
  5. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).10
  6. Gas chromatography—mass spectroscopy (GC-MS).
  7. Liquid chromatography—mass spectroscopy (LC-MS).
  8. Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS).
  9. Inductive coupled plasma (ICP).
Besides above, some other instruments are microwave digester, Ion chromatography, Breath analyzer, voltammetric tracemetal analyzer, pressurized solvent extractor, etc.
Instrumental unit should be fully air conditioned and dust free. All the gas cylinders must be placed in separate cabins outside the instrument rooms. Each instrument should be arranged in separate cabin, if possible.
 
Washing Room (150 sq ft)
There should be a separate room to clean and wash the used laboratory glasswares, etc. The washing room must have continuous source of water supply, geyser and oven. It should have sufficient space in order to have separate area for chromic acid washing and normal washing. It should have proper ventilation with exhaust fan.
 
ENGINEERING SPECIFICATIONS
 
Floors
Laboratory work means long hours of standing and walking. It is desirable to have a resilient floor. This reduces breakage. However, the floor should be of a material which is acid, alkali, and salt resistant and can be easily cleaned and disinfected. In washing and sterilizing rooms, moisture resistant floors are preferable.
 
Walls
The walls of the laboratory should be of the permanent, durable construction, but the partitions should be temporary, so that they can be taken out or replaced easily if need arises or activities expand. Finish of the walls must be hard, impermeable, chemically resistant and washable. Tiles as wall finish are desirable only in washing and sterilization rooms.
 
Ceiling
The ceilings should be made-up of materials that are easily washable and disinfected so as to reduce airborne contamination. The height of ceilings should be 2.5–2.8 m, so as to allow for wall mounted racks and other equipment.
 
Doors
Width of the doors should not be less than 1m wide to allow easy access of equipments. All the doors should open towards the corridor.
 
Lightning
As far as possible, sitting of laboratory should be such to allow natural light by providing square windows. Windows should be as tall as possible and should be at least 90 cm above the floor, so that benches can be put below them. Illumination of 11the laboratory needs to be carefully planned. Artificial light may be of fluorescent type. On the working benches, the intensity of light may be 250–500 lux.
 
Work Benches
Benching should be so designed that work with microscope can be done on benches running at right angle to the windows and walls. The top of the benches used for seating workers should be 80 cm above floor level, and those of where workers stand should be 90 cm.
 
Sanitary Fittings
Basins for washing hands are essential in all laboratories and should have elbow type taps. Waste pipes should be acid resistant. It is advisable to use PVC piping between sink outlet and connection to the main drainage. Hot water connections are required only at the basins for washing hands and at wash-up sinks. Filtered soft water supply for biochemical investigations is a pre-requisite. Sinks may be of porcelain.
 
Refrigeration
Refrigeration is to be provided in the laboratory. A minimum of two 165 litre capacity is necessary. Refrigeration for storing standards and samples with −40°C must be available.
 
Communication
Intercom facilities should be provided within the laboratory sections and outside stations. Moreover, a dedicated telephone line is required for information of the callers.
 
Ventilation
A mechanical ventilator system is required in the laboratory areas. In the laboratory where fumes are expected, 10–15 air changes per hour are recommended. In other areas, 4–6 air changes are sufficient.
 
Air Conditioning
A system that does not recirculate air is recommended, as laboratory procedures may involve working with an infectious agent.
 
Noise Control
Due consideration should be given to muffling of the sound produced by running of the equipments. Noise level in the laboratory should not exceed 40–50 dB.
 
Coloring
The coloring of the laboratory areas should preferably be lily white or apple, so as to give adequate light as laboratories involve direct observation of many procedures involved.12
 
Fire Protection, Detection and Fighting System
As laboratories are very vulnerable to fire hazards, fire fighting system should be installed in all the laboratory areas.
  1. Fire hydrants and fire extinguishers should be provided.
  2. Fire exit routes to be clearly identified and earmarked with red paint and well-illuminated.
 
Water Supply
Besides normal supply, separate reserve emergency overhead tank should be provided for toxicology laboratory services. Filtered soft water supply for biochemical investigations is a prerequisite for accurate estimations.
 
Electric Supply
Besides providing continuous electricity supply, provision of emergency light and stand by generators for laboratory is to be insured for its smooth functioning.
 
REQUIREMENTS
 
Glassware
The glassware requirement in forensic toxicology laboratory varies widely. A wide range of glasswares are required in a forensic toxicology laboratory. These have to be purchased according to the requirement. Only those glasswares that are of certain significance related to analytical procedure are listed in Table 1.2 and shown in Figure 1.2.
zoom view
Fig. 1.2: Glasswares
13
Table 1.2   List of glasswares
S. No.
Name of glasswares
Quantity
1.
Burettes of
10 ml cap
25 ml cap
50 ml cap
100 ml cap
1
1
1
1
2.
Column-chromatography
200 mm
300 mm
1
1
3.
Graduated test-tubes
15 ml
20 ml
100
100
4.
Crucible
25 ml
50 ml
5
5
5.
Lids for crucible
25 ml
50 ml
5
5
6.
Bottle reagent amber
100 ml
250 ml
500 ml
1000 ml
2000 ml
5000 ml
1
1
1
1
1
1
7.
Tubes gas sampling
125 ml
250 ml
500 ml
2
2
2
8.
Conical flask with side arm
5000 ml
5
9.
Water distillation system
2
10.
Beakers graduated
50 ml
100 ml
250 ml
500 ml
1000 ml
10
10
10
10
10
11.
Bottle aspirator
250 ml
500 ml
1000 ml
10
10
10
14
12.
Reagent bottle wide mouth with screw cap
100 ml
250 ml
500 ml
1000 ml
2000 ml
5000 ml
10
10
10
10
10
10
13.
Relative density bottle
10 ml
25 ml
50 ml
10
10
10
14.
Weighing bottle
20 ml
25 ml
40 ml
10
10
5
15.
Wash bottle
250 ml
500 ml
1000 ml
5
5
5
16.
Stoppers for wash bottle
250 ml
500 ml
1000 ml
5
5
5
17.
Wash bottle squeeze type
500 ml
5
18.
Condenser
200 mm
300 mm
400 mm
500 mm
2
2
2
2
19.
Condenser interchangeable inner joint
2
20.
Cylinder graduated with penny head
10 ml
25 ml
50 ml
100 ml
250 ml
5
5
5
5
5
21.
Cylinder graduated single metric scale
50 ml
100 ml
250 ml
500 ml
5
5
5
5
22.
Cylinder graduated with detachable base
2
23.
Desiccators
5
15
24.
Tray drying
1500 ml
1200 ml
10
10
25.
Dishes evaporating
80 × 45 mm
150 × 80 mm
5
5
26.
Extractors interchangeable
100 ml
200 ml
2
2
27.
Flask boiling
100 ml
250 ml
2
2
28.
Flask boiling flat bottom
150 ml
250 ml
500 ml
2
2
2
29.
Flask boiling round bottom
150 ml
250 ml
500 ml
2
2
2
30.
Flask distilling
125 ml
250 ml
500 ml
2
2
2
31.
Kjeldahl's flask
100 ml
300 ml
500 ml
5
5
5
32.
Flask iodine determination
100 ml
250 ml
500 ml
5
5
5
33.
Volumetric flask
25 ml
50 ml
100 ml
250 ml
500 ml
50
50
100
10
10
34.
Funnel plain
25 mm
50 mm
100 mm
5
5
5
16
35.
Separating funnel globe shaped
250 ml
500 ml
10
10
36.
Separating funnel pear shaped
250 ml
500 ml
5
5
37.
Pipettes measuring
0.1 ml
1 ml
2 ml
5 ml
10 ml
5
5
5
5
5
38.
Pipettes transfer volumetric
5 ml
10 ml
20 ml
5
5
5
39.
Stopcocks straight bore
2 mm
4 mm
6 mm
5
5
5
40.
Stopcocks high vacuum
2 mm
4 mm
2
2
41.
Stopper interchangeable ground joint
24/29
29/32
45/40
10
10
10
42.
Centrifuge tubes graduated
15 ml
50 ml
20
20
43.
Test tubes with rim
10 × 75 mm
12 × 75 mm
12 × 100 mm
38 × 200 mm
5
5
5
5
44.
Watch glasses
75 mm
100 mm
125 mm
5
5
5
45.
Funnel Buchner type
35 ml
80 ml
200 ml
2
2
2
46.
Steam distillation unit
2
47.
Gutzeit apparatus
6
17
zoom view
Fig. 1.3: Chemicals/reagents/solvents
 
Chemicals/Reagents/Solvents
Chemicals are required to perform extraction and isolation of poisons, spot tests, solvent systems and chromogenic reagents. Particular attention should be given for insuring a reliable supply of such chemicals. Availability of consumables for chromatographic and other techniques must be guaranteed if equipment is to be used to full advantage. List of minimum required chemicals are given in Table 1.3 and shown in Figure 1.3.
 
Plastic Ware
Large number of plastic ware are also required for toxicology lab. It has to be purchased according to the demands. List of minimum required plastic ware are given in Table 1.4 and shown in Figure 1.4.
 
Equipment and Machinery
We need sophisticated analytical instruments, which are sensitive and reliable for the analysis of poisons in the biological samples. The equipment and machinery can be further divided into two categories, i.e. major equipment and minor equipment.
 
Major Equipment
For quantitative analysis and trace analysis, we need sophisticated analytical instruments such as GLC, AAS, ICP, HPLC, etc. Complete list of major equipment is given in Table 1.5 and shown in Figures 1.5A to N.18
Table 1.3   List of chemicals/reagents/solvents
S. No.
Name of chemicals
Grade
Minimum quantity
1.
Acetone
AR
500 ml
2.
Ammonia oxalate purified
AR
500 g
3.
Amino-2-naphthol-4 sulfonic acid
AR
100 g
4.
Ammonium chloride
AR
500 g
5.
Ammonium sulfate
AR
500 g
6.
Ammonium thiosulfate
AR
500 g
7.
Ammonium ferrous sulfate (mohr salt)
AR
500 g
8.
Aniline
AR
500 ml
9.
Acetonitrile
AR
500 ml
10.
Ammonium heptamolybdate
AR
500 ml
11.
Aluminium oxide
AR
500 g
12.
Ammonium acetate
AR
500 ml
13.
Amyl alcohol
AR
500 ml
14.
Ammonium oxalate
AR
500 g
15.
Ammonium molybdate
AR
500 g
16.
Antimony (III) oxide
AR
100 g
17.
Aluminium foil
AR
5 packet
18.
Ammonium persulfate
AR
500 g
19.
Ammonium hydroxide
AR
500 ml
20.
Ascorbic acid
AR
500 g
21.
Arsenic trioxide
AR
100 g
22.
Arsenic pentaoxide
AR
100 g
23.
Acetic acid
AR
1000 ml
24.
Acetaldehyde
AR
1000 ml
25.
Boric acid
AR
500 g
26.
Bromophenol blue
AR
25 g
27.
Benzene
AR
500 ml
28.
Bismuth nitrate
AR
500 g
29.
Barium sulfate purified
AR
500 g
30.
Barium chloride dihydrate crystal pure
AR
500 g
31.
Barium chloride anhydrous
AR
500 g
32.
Bismuth nitrate pentahydrate III
AR
100 g
33.
Bromocresol green
AR
25 g
34.
Bromoform
AR
100 ml
35.
n-butanol for synthesis
AR
500 ml
36.
Buffer capsule for calibration of pH meter
AR
2 packet of each
19
37.
Barium carbonate
AR
500 g
38.
Chloroform
AR
500 ml
39.
Cyclohexane
AR
500 ml
40.
Cobalt acetate
AR
500 g
41.
Charcoal activated
AR
500 g
42.
Chromotropic acid
AR
500 ml
43.
Calcium acetate dried
AR
500 g
44.
Calcium chloride dehydrate
AR
500 g
45.
Calcium chloride
AR
500 g
46.
Cupric sulfate
AR
100 g
47.
Copper (II) sykogate 5-hydrite
AR
500 g
48.
Cadmium chloride
AR
100 g
49.
Cobaltous acetate tetrahydrate
AR
100 g
50.
Carbon tetrachloride
AR
1 liter/1000 ml
51.
Copper metal powder
AR
500 g
52.
Copper foil
AR
100 g
53.
m-cresol
AR
100 g
54.
Copper(II) sulfate penthydrate
AR
500 g
55.
Congo red indicator paper
AR
1 packet
56.
Chlorobenzene
AR
500 ml
57.
1, 4-dinitrobenzene
AR
500 ml
58.
Dipotassium hydrogen orthophosphate
AR
500 ml
59.
Diphenylamine
AR
100 g
60.
Diethylamine
AR
500 ml
61.
1,4-Dioxan
AR
500 ml
62.
Dichloromethane
AR
500 ml
63.
Dextrose anhydrous
AR
100 g
64.
5, 5-Diethyl barbiturate
AR
100 g
65.
1, 5-Diphenyl carbide
AR
100 g
66.
Diphenyl carbazone
AR
100 g
67.
Dimethyl sulfate
AR
500 g
68.
Dimethyl formamide
AR
500 ml
69.
Diethyl ether
AR
1000 ml
70.
Dithizone
AR
100 ml
71.
4, 4-diethylamino benzaldehyde
AR
500 ml
72.
Ethanol
AR
2000 ml
20
73.
Ethyl acetate
AR
500 ml
74.
EDTA
AR
100 g
75.
Ferrous sulfate
AR
500 g
76.
Furfural
AR
500 g
77.
Ferric sulfate
AR
500 g
78.
Fuchsin base for microscope
AR
100 g
79.
Florisil
AR
100 g
80.
Formaldehyde solution
AR
1000 ml
81.
Hydroquinone
AR
100 g
82.
Hydrogen peroxide
AR
500 ml
83.
Glycerol about 98% purified
AR
500 ml
84.
Hydrochloric acid
AR
10 litre
85.
n-Hexane
AR
1000 ml
86.
Fehling's solution
AR
500 ml
87.
Iron chloride anhydrous purified
AR
500 g
88.
Iron (II) sulfide
AR
500 g
89.
Iso amyl alcohol
AR
500 ml
90.
Iso amyl acetate
AR
500 ml
91.
Iodine solid
AR
100 g
92.
Isopropyl amine
AR
500 ml
93.
Iron sulfate anhydrous.
AR
500 g
94.
Iron chloride crystal purified
AR
500 g
95.
Iron (III) sulfate anhydrous
AR
500 g
96.
Iodine resublimed
AR
100 g
97.
Lead acetate
AR
100 g
98.
Lead acetate dihydrate
AR
100 g
99.
Lead acetate trihydrate
AR
100 g
100.
Mercuric bromide
AR
100 g
101.
Magnesium oxide
AR
500 g
102.
Mercury sulfate
AR
500 g
103.
Magnesium chloride crystal
AR
500 g
104.
Mercury (II) oxide red purified
AR
500 g
105.
Methyl blue
AR
100 ml
106.
Methanol
AR
1000 ml
107.
Mercury (II) chloride
AR
500 ml
108.
Molybdic acid
AR
100 ml
21
109.
Methyl-tert butyl acid
AR
100 ml
110.
Mercurous nitrate
AR
500 g
111.
Mecuric acid nitrate
AR
500 g
112.
Mercuric iodide
AR
100 ml
113.
Mercuric oxide red
AR
100 g
114.
Methylene blue
AR
100 g
115.
Nitrobenzene
AR
500 ml
116.
Nitric acid
AR
5000 ml
117.
Nickel sulfate
AR
100 g
118.
Neutral red chloride
AR
100 g
119.
p-Nitrobenzyl pyridine
AR
100 g
120.
a-Nepthanol
AR
100 g
121.
Ninhydrin
AR
100 g
122.
Oxalic acid
AR
500 g
123.
m-phosphoric acid
AR
100 ml
124.
o-Phosphoric acid
AR
100 ml
125.
Phenobarbitone sodium
AR
100 g
126.
Potassium dichromate
AR
500 g
127.
Potassium hydroxide
AR
500 g
128.
Potassium metabisulfite
AR
100 ml
129.
Propanol
AR
500 ml
130.
Phenol
AR
500 ml
131.
Potassium chromate
AR
500 g
132.
Picric acid
AR
500 g
133.
Potassium bicarbonate
AR
500 g
134.
2-Propanol
AR
500 g
135.
Potassium carbonate anhydrous
AR
500 g
136.
Potassium perchloric acid
AR
500 g
137.
Potassium chloride
AR
1000 g
138.
Potassium permanganate
AR
500 g
139.
Potassium iodide
AR
500 g
140.
Paraffin liquid
AR
1 packet
141.
Phenolphthalein indicator
AR
100 g
142.
Potassium ferrocyanide
AR
100 g
143.
Petroleum ether
AR
500 ml
144.
Pyrogallol
AR
500 ml
22
145.
Potassium bromide
AR
500 g
146.
Palladium chloride
AR
5 g
147.
Perchloric acid
AR
500 g
148.
Platinic chloride/platinium(III)
AR
1 g
149.
Petroleum benzene
AR
500 ml
150.
Potassium hexacyanoferrate trihydrate
AR
100 g
151.
Potassium hexacyanoferrate
AR
100 g
152.
Potassium sulfate
AR
500 ml
153.
Potassium nitrate
AR
500 g
154.
Pyridine
AR
500 ml
155.
pH indicator paper
AR
1 packet
156.
Rhodamine B
AR
100 g
157.
Resorcinol crystal
AR
500 g
158.
Sulfuric acid
AR
5000 ml
159.
Sodium chloride
AR
5000 g
160.
Sucrose
AR
100 g
161.
Silica gel
AR
500 g
162.
Sodium carbonate
AR
500 g
163.
Sodium hydroxide
AR
500 ml
164.
Silicic acid
AR
500 g
165.
Sodium nitrate
AR
500 g
166.
Sodium sulfate
AR
500 g
167.
Sodium dihydrogen phosphate
AR
500 g
168.
Sodium floride
AR
100 g
169.
Sodium disulfide
AR
500 g
170.
Sodium potassium tartarate
AR
500 g
171.
Stannous dioxide
AR
500 g
172.
Selenium dioxide
AR
500 g
173.
Sodium dihydrogen orthophosphate
AR
500 g
174.
Sodium hyroxide pellet
AR
500 g
175.
Sodium hydrogen carbonate
AR
500 g
176.
Sodium diethyl dithiocarbonate
AR
100 g
177.
Sodium dithionate
AR
100 g
178.
Sodium oxide
AR
500 g
179.
Silver ethyl dithiocarbonate
AR
500 g
23
180.
Sodium molybdate
AR
500 g
181.
Sodium metal
AR
500 g
182.
Sodium diorthophosphate
AR
100 g
183.
Starch
AR
1 kg
184.
Sodium borohydrate
AR
500 g
185.
Sodium thiosulfate
AR
500 g
186.
Sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate
AR
100 g
187.
Sodium acetate anhydrous pure
AR
100 g
188.
Silver nitrate
AR
10 g
189.
Sodium sulphite anhydrous pure
AR
500 g
190.
Selenious acid
AR
100 g
191.
Disodium oxalate
AR
100 g
192.
Sodium tungstate
AR
10 g
193.
Succinic acid
AR
100 g
194.
Thallium chloride
AR
100 g
195.
Toluene
AR
500 ml
196.
Tin (II) chloride
AR
100 g
197.
Tetraethylene pentamine
AR
100 g
198.
Tetrahydrofuran
AR
100 g
199.
Urea
AR
1 kg
200.
Uranyl acetate
AR
500 g
201.
Universal indicator pH paper
AR
1 packet
202.
Xylene
AR
100 ml
203.
Zinc (metal) powder
AR
500 g
204.
Zinc (metal) dust
AR
500 g
205.
Zinc chloride
AR
500 g
206.
Zinc phosphide
AR
500 g
207.
Zinc acetate
AR
500 g
208.
Zinc oxide
AR
500 g
209.
Zinc sulfate
AR
500 g
24
Table 1.4   List of plastic wares
S. No.
Name of Items
Quantity (in Pc/Pcs)
1.
Pipette bulb
2
2.
Drying Rock
1
3.
Pasteur pipette
2
4.
Hand protector grip
2
5.
Safety goggles
2
6.
Safety eyewear box
1
7.
Wide mouth bottle with capacity of 1000 ml
6
8.
Aspirator bottle with stopcock of capacity (20 Litre)
3
9.
Wash bottles of capacity 250 ml
3
10.
New type Wash bottles of capacity 250 ml
3
11.
New type Wash bottles of capacity 500 ml
3
12.
Conical flask of capacity 250 ml
6
13.
Measuring beaker of capacity 2000 ml
4
14.
Beaker of capacity 1000 ml
4
15.
Measuring cylinder of capacity 250 ml
6
16.
Funnel of capacity 100 ml
12
17.
Large funnel of capacity 200 ml
2
18.
Buchner funnel 70 mm
2
19.
Separatory funnel 250 ml
2
20.
Pipette rack horizontal
2
21.
Retort stand 22 × 15 central
2
22.
Burette clamp (single)
3
23.
Separatory funnel holder (single)
2
24.
Funnel holder (single)
2
25.
Pipette stand vertical (28 places)
1
26.
Pipette stand vertical (94 places)
1
27.
Handypette-pipette aid (10 ml)
2
28.
Pipette bulb (upto 100 ml)
2
29.
Utility tray (320 × 260 × 100 mm)
2
30.
Drying Rack (20 pegs)
1
31.
Drying Rack (30 pegs)
1
32.
Microcentrifuge tubes (1.5 ml)
500
33.
Rack for microtubes (1.5 ml)
2
34.
Centrifuge tube conical bottom (50 ml)
100
35.
Centrifuge bottle (250 ml)
3
36.
Cryo babies (32.5 × 12.7)
1000
37.
Cryo tags (38 × 19)
1000
38.
Ice bucket (4500 ml)
1
39.
Cryo cube box (50 places, 1.8 ml)
4
40.
Test tube stand (31 places, 16 mm)
2
41.
SPINIX-Orbital shaker
1
42.
Pasteur pipette (3 ml)
500
43.
Hand protector grip
1
44.
Scoop (250 ml)
2
45.
Scoop (1000 ml)
2
46.
Scoop (2000 ml)
2
47.
SPINOT-magnetic stirrer hot plate (10 × 10 cm)
1
48.
SPINOT-magnetic stirrer hot plate (18 × 18 cm)
1
49.
Flask stand (160 mm)
2
25
zoom view
Fig. 1.4: Plastic wares
Table 1.5   List of major equipment
S. No.
List of Equipment
Quantity
1.
Gas liquid chromatography (GLC)
One
2.
High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
One
3.
Inductive coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry
One
4.
UV-visible spectrophotometer
One
5.
Gas chromatography with head space
One
6.
Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS)
One
7.
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS)
One
8.
High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC)
One
9.
Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR)
One
10.
Voltametric trace metal analyzer
One
11.
Breath analyzer
One
12.
Ion chromatography
One
13.
Pressurized solvent extraction/accelerated solvent extractor
One
14.
Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (LC-MS)
One
15.
Microwave digester
One
26
zoom view
Figs 1.5A to H: Major equipment used in laboratory. (A) Gas liquid chromatography (Nucon); (B) High performance liquid chromatography (Dionex Ultimate 3000); (C) UV visible spectrometer (ECIL); (D) Gas chromatography with head space (Perkin Elmer); (E) Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Analytical Jena); (F) Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (Perkin Elmer); (G) High performance thin layer chromatography (Desaga); (H) Accelerated solvent extractor (Dionex)
27
zoom view
Figs 1.5I to N: Major equipment used in laboratory. (I) Inductive coupled plasma-spectrometry; (J) Fourier–transform infrared spectrometry (varian); (K) Voltammetric trace metal analyzer (Metrohm); (L) Breath analyzer (Uniphos); (M) Ion chromatography (Metrohm); (N) Microwave digester (Aurora)
 
Minor Equipment
For qualitative test, color/spot test is done by using some minor equipment. Complete list of minor equipments are given in Table 1.6 and shown in Figures 1.6A to J.
 
Reference Material
Standards for chemicals, poisons, etc. are essential for standardization and calibration of instruments. A certified reference material (CRM), suitable for the preparation of a standard, to which calibration materials can be compared, must be certified by a method generally recognized by scientific community as one that validates the CRM for this purpose.28
zoom view
Figs 1.6A to H: Minor equipment used in laboratory. (A) pH meter; (B) Ultrasonic bath; (C) Double distillation unit; (D) Muffle furnace; (E) Mini centrifuge; (F) Vortex mixer; (G) Electronic weighing balance; (H) Water bath
29
zoom view
Figs 1.6I and J: Minor equipment used in laboratory. (I) Heating mantle; (J) Micropipette controller (Bio Gene)
Table 1.6   List of minor equipment
S. No.
List of equipment
Quantity
1.
Deep freezer (-20°C)
One
2.
Oven
Two
3.
pH meter
One
4.
Conductivity meter
One
5.
Double distilled glass apparatus
One
6.
Refrigerator
Two
7.
Tissue homogenizer
Two
8.
Gas purification panel for all gases
One
9.
Top loading balance
One
10.
Micropipette controller
Ten
11.
Micropipette (different range)
One
12.
Dispenser
Five
13.
Computer with printer for lab
Two
14.
Hot plates
Two
15.
UV-viewing cabinet
One
16.
Analytical balance
One
17.
Water bath
Two
18.
Muffle furnace
One
19.
Fume hood
One
20.
Centrifuge machine (medico-type) of capacity 6/4 tube of 10 ml each
One
21.
Microscope
Two
30
Table 1.7   List of drugs standard
S. No.
Name
% Purity
Quantity
1.
Morphine
90–100
1 g
2.
Diazepam
90–100
1 g
3.
Nitrazepam
90–100
1 g
4.
Allobarbital
90–100
1 g
5.
Barbital
90–100
1 g
6.
Phenobarbital
90–100
1 g
7.
Alprazolam
90–100
1 g
8.
Bromazepam
90–100
1 g
9.
Atropine sulfate
90–100
1 g
10.
Brucine
90–100
1 g
11.
Codeine
90–100
1 g
12.
Thebaine
90–100
1 g
13.
Papaverine
90–100
1 g
14.
Narcotine
90–100
1 g
15.
Amphetamine
90–100
1 g
16.
Ephedrine
90–100
1 g
17.
Nicotine
90–100
1 g
18.
Amphetamine HCl
90–100
1 g
19.
Heroin HCL
90–100
1 g
20.
Chlordiazepoxide
90–100
1 g
21.
Cocaine
90–100
1 g
Reference materials (RMs) should be stored at low temperature or protected from light and moisture. List of Drugs standard, Pesticides standard, Metallic standard, AAS standard, UV-visible spectrophotometer standard are given in Tables 1.7 to 1.11, respectively.
 
HPLC Solvents
HPLC instruments require special type of solvents called HPLC solvent. List of few HPLC solvents are given in Table 1.12 and shown in Figure 1.7.31
Table 1.8   List of pesticides standard
S. No.
Name
Quantity
1.
BHC
2 g
2.
Zolone
2 g
3.
Chlordane
2 g
4.
Malathion
2 g
5.
Heptachlor
2 g
6.
Butachlor
2 g
7.
Cygon
2 g
8.
Naled (Dibrom)
2 g
9.
Dieldrin
2 g
10.
Strobane
2 g
11.
Toxaphene
2 g
12.
Chloropicrin
2 g
13.
DDE
2 g
14.
Guthion
2 g
15.
Dizinon
2 g
16.
Phosdrin
2 g
17.
DDT
2 g
18.
2, 4, -D
2 g
19.
Fenvelrate
2 g
20.
Cypermethrin
2 g
21.
Carbofuran
2 g
22.
Chlorpyriphos
2 g
23.
Ethion
2 g
24.
Dimethoate
2 g
25.
Isoproturan
2 g
26.
Endosulfan
2 g
27.
Quinalphos
2 g
28.
Aluminum phosphide
2 g
29.
Zinc purified
2 g
 
Miscellaneous Items
Several miscellaneous items are also required in the laboratory for different purposes, which are listed below in Table 1.13 and shown in Figure 1.8.32
Table 1.9   List of metallic standard
S.No.
Name
Quantity
1.
Arsenic trioxide
100 g
2.
Arsenic pentaoxide
100 g
3.
Mercury chloride
100 g
4.
Mercury sulfate
100 g
5.
Zinc metal
100 g
6.
Antimony nitrate
100 g
7.
Bismuth nitrate
100 g
8.
Cadmium nitrate
100 g
9.
Chromium nitrate
100 g
10.
Cobalt nitrate
100 g
11.
Copper nitrate
100 g
12.
Iron nitrate
100 g
13.
Lead nitrate
100 g
14.
Molybdenum nitrate
100 g
15.
Nickel nitrate
100 g
16.
Platinum nitrate
100 g
17.
Rhodium nitrate
100 g
18.
Selenium nitrate
100 g
19.
Thallium nitrate
100 g
20.
Tungsten nitrate
100 g
21.
Uranium nitrate
100 g
 
Waste Disposal Procedures for Biological Material
The laboratory should have documented waste management policy. There must be a clear policy in place for the disposal of materials on completion of examination.
 
SECURITY
The entire laboratory should be secure and the document and exhibit store area should be strictly prohibited to unauthorized person. The area should be locked by biometric lock. The physical layout of the laboratory must be such that unauthorized person cannot enter without direction and unauthorized person should be escorted and may be required to sign a log book upon entry and exit from the laboratory, recording the full name and address, name of the person to whom the visitor will meet, time, date and purpose of the visit.33
Table 1.10   List of AAS/ICP standard
S. No.
List of standards
Concentration
Quantity
1.
Aluminum standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
2.
Antimony standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
3.
Arsenic standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
4.
Barium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
5.
Beryllium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
6.
Bismuth standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
7.
Boron standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
8.
Cadmium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
9.
Calcium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
10.
Cesium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
11.
Chromium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
12.
Cobalt standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
13.
Copper standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
14.
Germanium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
15.
Gold standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
16.
Indium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
17.
Iron standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
18.
Lead standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
19.
Lithium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
20.
Magnesium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
21.
Manganese standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
22.
Mercury standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
23.
Molybdenum standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
24.
Nickel standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
25.
Palladium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
26.
Platinum standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
27.
Potassium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
28.
Scandium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
29.
Selenium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
30.
Silicon standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
31.
Silver standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
32.
Sodium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
33.
Strontium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
34.
Tellurium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
35.
Thallium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
36.
Tin standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
37.
Titanium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
38.
Tungsten standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
39.
Vanadium standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
40.
Zinc standard solution
1000 ppm
100 ml
41.
Zirconium
1000 ppm
100 ml
34
Table 1.11   List of UV-visible spectrophotometer standard
S.No.
List of chemicals
Quantity
1.
UV-visible standard 1 potassium dichromate
1 unit
2.
UV-visible standard 1a potassium dichromate
1 unit
3.
UV-visible standard 2 sodium nitrite solution
1 unit
4.
UV-visible standard 3 sodium iodide solution
1 unit
5.
UV-visible standard 4 potassium chloride
1 unit
6.
UV-visible standard 5 toluene
1 unit
7.
UV-visible standard 6 holmium oxide
1 unit
Table 1.12   List of HPLC solvents
S. No.
List of HPLC solvents
Quantity
1.
Acetone
1 liter
2.
Acetonitrite
1 liter
3.
Carbon tetrachloride
1 liter
4.
Chloroform
1 liter
5.
Cyclohexane
1 liter
6.
Dichloromethane
1 liter
7.
Ethyl acetate
1 liter
8.
n-Hexane
1 liter
9.
Hexane
1 liter
10.
Isooctane
1 liter
11.
Methanol
1 liter
12.
2-propanol
1 liter
13.
Tetrahydrofuran
1 liter
14.
Toluene
1 liter
15.
Distil water
1 liter
 
CONCLUSION
In the field of crime investigation, forensic toxicology has a significant role. The deaths due to poisoning are on increase every year with economic advancement and development in science and technology. The poisoning deaths may be due to acute or chronic poisoning. It involves wide range of poisons like agricultural poisons, pharmaceutical drugs, drugs of abuse, household poisons, food poisons, mass disaster due to leakage of chemicals and gases from industries, occupational and environmental hazards, etc.35
zoom view
Fig. 1.7: HPLC solvents
zoom view
Fig. 1.8: Miscellaneous items
In India, there are about 35 forensic science laboratories in various states. These laboratories are overburdened with analytical samples due to increasing crimes related to poisoning. And the court of law expects authentic scientific reports as evidence. The government needs to set-up well-planned and equipped forensic toxicology laboratory to deal with poisoning cases.36
zoom view
Fig. 1.9: Layout of forensic toxicology laboratory
Layout of forensic toxicology laboratory is given in Figure 1.9. We have tried to describe in detail the manpower requirement, area requirement, equipment, glassware and chemical requirements, along with a clear layout diagram of the laboratory. This chapter provides a detailed guideline for setting up a well-planned modern forensic toxicology laboratory.37
Table 1.13   List of miscellaneous items
S. No.
Name of items
Quantity
1.
Filter paper Whatmann No-40
5 packets
2.
Filter paper Whatmann No-41
5 packets
3.
Filter paper Whatmann No-42
5 packets
4.
Ordinary filter paper sheet
1 packets
5.
Glass marker
1 packets
6.
Stickers of different sizes
1 packets
7.
Burners
5 numbers
8.
Tongs
3 numbers
9.
Tripod stand
6 numbers
10.
Scissor
2 nos.
11.
Gloves
2 packets
12.
Masks
2 packets
FURTHER READING
  1. Bapuly AK. Forensic science—Its application in investigation, 1st edn; 2006.
  1. Borosil scientific and laboratory glassware; 2007.
  1. Borosil scientific and laboratory ware catalogue; 2006.
  1. Bunett D. A practical Guide to Accreditation in Laboratory Medicine. ACB Venture publications;  2002.
  1. Clark ECG. Isolation and identification of drugs, 2nd edn, the pharmaceutical press. 
  1. Curry AS. Analytical methods in Human Toxicology, 1st edn, Macmillan press Ltd,  London;  1985.
  1. Davidson's principle and practice of Medicine, 12th edn, Churchill Livingstone,  London;  1997.
  1. DFS Manual of Toxicology, 1st edn, Selective and Scientific publishers,  New Delhi;  2005.
  1. Guidelines for poison control published by WHO in collaboration with UNEP and ILO; 1997.
  1. Jaiswal AK, Millo T, Murthy OP. Toxicology Manual Series: Article — I: Extraction, Isolation and Clean-up methods for Pesticides/Insecticides and alkaloids, Int. J of Med Tox and Legal Med. 2006;9:28–32.
  1. Margaret-Ann Armour. Hazardous Laboratory Chemicals Disposal Guide, 3rd edn.
  1. Merck chemical and reagent catalogue; 2002.
  1. Merck chemical and reagent catalogue; 2006—2007.
  1. Proceeding of national workshop on practical and emergency medical toxicology, AIIMS, 24—26 Feb; 1998.
  1. Sharma BR. Forensic science in criminal investigation and trials, 4th edn.