Fundamentals of Analytical Toxicology
Chapter One
Analytical Toxicology: Overview
1.1 Introduction
Analytical toxicology is concerned with the detection, identification and measurement of drugs
and other foreign compounds (xenobiotics) and their metabolites in biological and related specimens.
The analytical toxicologist can play a useful role in the diagnosis, management and, in
some cases, the prevention of poisoning, but to do so a basic knowledge of clinical and forensic
toxicology is essential. Moreover the analyst must be able to communicate effectively with clinicians,
pathologists, coroners, police and, possibly, others. In addition, a good understanding of
clinical chemistry, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics is desirable.
1.1.1 Historical development
The use of physicochemical techniques in the analysis of drugs and other poi ... read full excerpt from Fundamentals of Analytical Toxicology ebook