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Forensic toxicology could be the aspect of both forensics and toxicology that looks into the medical/legal elements of the harmful effects of drugs or chemicals on living entities. Specifically, did the substance/s under consideration, bring about, or cause death or intoxication either by self-medication or by being administered by a 3rd party.

Should you be looking for careers in forensics, then forensic toxicology can offer you a variety of avenues to pursue. For instance , post-mortem toxicology, testing for drug use in the workplace or in sports events, in the use of drugs to poison animals with the idea to kill or improve their performance, or, to assist in solving crimes of sexual nature where drugs happen to be involved. Toxicologists can also provide a defence for a suspect in deciding the effect of any drugs or alcohol the individual may have taken that could have impacted their behaviour at the time of an incident.

Post mortem toxicology is among the largest fields of this science and requires a lot of skill and knowledge. Scientists in many cases are searching for very small amounts of an unknown substance or substances that could, or may not be present. The forensic toxicologist will work with the pathologist and investigators to understand the results using highly developed chemical analysis and instruments. This might involve (but is not limited to), UV-visible spectrophotography, gas and liquid chromatographic procedures, absorption spectrophotometric techniques and antigen-antibody immunoassay methods.

In the workplace, it can be necessary to test for drug use. This is particularly important where a work place involves hazards that affect safety. Normally, this is done by the routine testing of large quantities of urine samples. As with other areas of forensic toxicology, care must be taken to keep accurate and secure samples and documents.

To be involved with forensic toxicology, you should have an investigative and enquiring mind and also a track record in pharmacology and chemistry. You will also need to have the ability to clarify procedures and findings in a straightforward and easy to understand manner as an expert witness in court. Look at the American Board of Forensic Toxicology and/or the Forensic Toxicology Certification Board for more information.

For more information on careers in forensics that involve forensic toxicology, try The Society of Forensic Toxicology and The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists for additional career opportunities in toxicology. Forensic toxicology is as complex as other areas of forensics and one which would provide one of the more rewarding careers in forensics.