This fourth edition of the classic, best-selling
textbook "ideal for the classroom and the reference shelf" includes a new section
on "special topics" in forensic toxicology and updated chapters on drug testing,
methods validation, alcohol, GHB, and metals. Since the publication of the first
edition in 1999, Principles of Forensic Toxicology has been used
extensively for teaching students taking a one-semester course in forensic
toxicology. It has also proven to be an invaluable reference for
laboratorians.
The first section provides an introduction to postmortem forensic toxicology,
human performance forensic toxicology, forensic drug testing, and
pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Additions to this section of the fourth
edition include chapters on pain management and performance-enhanced drug
testing.
The second section is devoted to analytical principles, including both theory
and applications. Methodologies covered include specimen preparation,
spectrophotometry, chromatography, immunoassay, mass spectrometry, and methods
validation.
The third section covers commonly encountered analytes, including alcohol,
benzodiazepines, GHB, miscellaneous central nervous system depressants, opioids,
cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines/sympathomimetic amines, hallucinogens,
anticonvulsants, antiarrhythmics, antidepressants, antihistamines, neuroleptics,
nonnarcotic analgesics, carbon monoxide/cyanide, inhalants, and metals.
The newly added fourth section includes chapters on in vitro stability of
drugs, postmortem redistribution, postmortem chemistry, pharmacogenomics, hair,
and meconium.