The clavicle bone as an alternative matrix in forensic toxicological analysis

Abstract Although human blood is the reference medium in the field of forensic toxicology, alternative matrices may be required when traditional specimens are not available, especially in the investigation of cases involving decomposing remains. Clavicle bone may provide an appropriate sample of cho...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of forensic and legal medicine 2014-02, Vol.22, p.7-9
Main Authors: Vardakou, Ioanna, PhD, Athanaselis, Sotiris, PhD, Pistos, Constantinos, PhD, Papadodima, Stauroula, MD, PhD, Spiliopoulou, Chara, MD, PhD, Moraitis, Konstantinos, PhD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Analgesics, Opioid - analysis
Bone
Bones
Clavicle
Clavicle - chemistry
Codeine - analysis
Forensic osteology
Forensic toxicology
Forensic Toxicology - methods
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Humans
Limit of Detection
Male
Middle Aged
Morphine - analysis
Morphine Derivatives - analysis
Narcotics
Opiates
Pathology
Specimen Handling
Toxicology
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Summary:Abstract Although human blood is the reference medium in the field of forensic toxicology, alternative matrices may be required when traditional specimens are not available, especially in the investigation of cases involving decomposing remains. Clavicle bone may provide an appropriate sample of choice since it can easily be obtained at autopsy after the removal of the breastplate for the inspection of the thoracic viscera. To the author's knowledge, this is the first time that clavicle bone is used as an alternative matrix for the detection of drugs. The present study aimed to investigate the suitability of clavicle bone as an alternative matrix for the detection of opiates. Opiates were assayed using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the selected ion monitoring mode. Morphine-d6, codeine-d6 and 6-MAM-d3 were used as internal standards for the determination of morphine, codeine and 6-MAM, respectively. A GC/MS method was developed and validated for the determination of opiates in clavicle samples. Morphine, codeine and 6-MAM were successfully separated in spiked samples allowing for their detection at low levels without interferences from the matrix. Chromatographic run time was 11 min and the tested linearity ranged from 5 to 500 ng/g ( r 2 > 0.99) for all analytes. The method was further applied in clavicle samples of drug-related cases. Its validation parameters and the application of the developed method in clavicle samples from drug addicts, prove its suitability for the detection of opiates and potentially other drugs.
ISSN:1752-928X
1878-7487
DOI:10.1016/j.jflm.2013.11.012