Medical Toxicology

Analytical Toxicology

Analytical toxicology is the detection, identification, and measurement of foreign compounds in biological and other specimens. Analytical methods are available for a wide range of compounds like chemicals, pesticides, drugs and natural toxins. Analytical toxicology is used in the diagnosis, management, prognosis, and prevention of poisoning. Analytical toxicology laboratories may be involved in activities such as the assessment of exposure following chemical incidents, therapeutic drug monitoring, monitoring the drugs of abuse and forensic analyses. They may also be involved in research like determining the pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic properties. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry are generally used today in analytical toxicology. While planning the development of an analytical toxicology service there are a number of considerations. These comprise the pattern of poisoning and, therefore, the specific substances for which analyses will be required, the existing infrastructure, the availability of ongoing technical support, spare parts and reagents from suppliers, the availability of a team of trained staff and the capacity to train new staff and provide continuing professional development.