Alprazolam and Zolpidem in Skeletal Tissue of Decomposed Body Confirms Exposure. Issue 2 (21st August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Orfanidis, Amvrosios; Gika, Helen; Zaggelidou, Eleni; Mastrogianni, Orthodoxia; Raikos, Nikolaos
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic sciences. Volume 64:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 643
• Page End: 646
• Publication Date: 2018-08-21
• Subjects: forensic science -- skeletal tissue -- bones -- alprazolam -- zolpidem -- femur -- liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; 363.2505
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13890
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1198

Abstract

Abstract: In several medico‐legal cases, bone samples analysis may provide the only source of toxicological information. This case study reports the analysis of a human bone specimen, belonging to a 46‐year‐old man, found 3 months after his death due to cervical–thoracic injuries in a motorcycle accident. Bone specimen was the only available material for toxicological analysis, among few skull hair and rotten skin. Analysis was performed by a newly developed and validated ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐MS/MS) method, following simple and efficient sample pretreatment. The results were in accordance with the man's medical record: Alprazolam and zolpidem were found at 2.2 and 5.4 ng/g of bone, respectively. Both these drugs were prescribed to the deceased.