DIAGNOSTIC AND FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY

Successful use of a diagnostic toxicology laboratory requires a comple te understanding of the case in question. Different types of evidence must be integrated, including a thorough clinical and environmental hi story, observation of clinical signs, necropsy results, analytic chemi stry findings, and occasionally, bioassay. The history and clinical/pa thologic findings will help identify the source of the toxicant, affec ted organ systems, and a list of rule-outs. If a systematic approach i s accomplished by proper sample management, the practitioner will opti mize the ability to handle complex poisoning cases in a successful and professionally rewarding manner.