DE ALDAY, PRINCESS R.
BS CRIMINOLOGY -3H
FORENSIC 3
ACTIVITY #2
1.Blood
-is a vital fluid in the human body that performs various critical functions necessary for life.
It is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Blood circulates
through the cardiovascular system, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues
and organs, while also carrying away waste products such as carbon dioxide.
In forensic chemistry and toxicology, blood analysis is often used to detect the presence of
drugs, alcohol, toxins, and other substances that might be relevant in criminal
investigations, such as determining the cause of death, or identifying substances that
could impair an individual’s behavior or physiological state. Blood tests are crucial in
toxicological screenings to assess exposure to harmful substances.
2.Semen
- Is a fluid produced by the male reproductive system, primarily composed of sperm
cells and various secretions from the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and other
glands. It is released from the body during ejaculation. Semen’s primary function is
to deliver sperm to the female reproductive system for potential fertilization.
In forensic chemistry and toxicology, the analysis of semen is often used in sexual assault
investigations. Detecting and analyzing semen can help identify the presence of male DNA,
which can be crucial for linking suspects to a crime scene or victim. The forensic
examination may involve identifying sperm cells, analyzing the genetic material, or testing
for specific proteins unique to semen.
3.Urine testing
- Is often employed because urine is an easily obtainable and non-invasive sample
that can provide valuable information about an individual's recent exposure to
drugs, poisons, or other substances. The substances detected in urine can indicate
both the presence and concentration of these compounds, helping in cases such as
drug testing for employment, criminal investigations (e.g., driving under the
influence), and medical assessments.
In forensic contexts, urine testing can help establish timelines of substance use, confirm or
refute claims of drug use, and provide evidence that might support or challenge
testimonies in legal cases.
4.Drugs
-are chemical substances that, when introduced into the body, cause a change in
physiological or psychological functions. These changes can be therapeutic, such as
relieving pain or treating disease, or they can be harmful, depending on the type of drug,
dosage, and context of use.
5. Drugs Classification
In forensic chemistry and toxicology, drugs are often categorized based on their legal status
and effects on the human body:
1 . Legal Drugs: These include
Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and substances like alcohol and
tobacco, which are regulated but legal for use under specific condition.
2. Controlled Substances: These are drugs regulated by law due to their potential for abuse
and addiction, including narcotics, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and cannabis.
3. Illicit Drugs: These are substances that are illegal to possess, manufacture, or distribute,
such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and LSD.
Forensic toxicologists analyze biological samples (like blood, urine, or hair) to detect and
quantify the presence of drugs, helping to determine their role in criminal activities,
overdoses, or other legal matters. This analysis can be crucial in investigations involving
impaired driving, drug-facilitated crimes, or unexplained deaths.
4. By Potential for Abuse (as classified in the U.S. Controlled Substances Act):
• Schedule I: Drugs with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use (e.g.,
heroin, LSD).
• Schedule II-V: Drugs with decreasing potential for abuse and increasing accepted
medical use (e.g., Schedule II includes drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine;
Schedule V includes drugs like cough preparations with limited amounts of certain
narcotics).
In forensic toxicology, understanding drug classification is crucial for determining the legal
implications of drug possession or use, assessing potential drug interactions, and
interpreting the significance of drug levels in biological samples during investigations.
6.“Father of Forensic Chemistry”
- Is often attributed to Mathieu Orfila (1787-1853). Orfila was a Spanish-born French
toxicologist and chemist who is widely regarded as one of the founders of forensic
toxicology, a crucial branch of forensic chemistry.
Orfila made significant contributions to the study of poisons and their effects on the
human body. His work laid the groundwork for the scientific analysis of bodily fluids and
tissues in cases of suspected poisoning, which was a critical advancement in forensic
science during the 19th century. His most notable work, “Traité des poisons” (Treatise on
Poisons), bec seminal reference in tology.
Through his rigorous scientific approach and insistence on applying chemistry to the
investigation of criminal cases, Orfila established principles that are still fundamental to
forensic chemistry and toxicology today.
