Synovial Fluid

Abstract

Although blood is the most commonly used specimen in forensic toxicology, it is not always available. In those cases, alternative samples are sought on which to perform toxicology testing. The current study assessed the usefulness of synovial fluid for postmortem cocaine and opiate/opioid testing. One hundred four cases were sampled, with 98 cases being tested representing 24 negative controls and 74 cases positive for cocaine, benzoylecgonine, morphine, 6-monoacetylmorphine, hydrocodone, and/or oxycodone. Synovium demonstrated excellent correlation and predictability when compared with blood, although it was not as sensitive for 6-monoacetylmorphine as either vitreous or urine. The authors recommend further study to assess the usefulness of synovial fluid in postmortem toxicology to include the evaluation of its utilize for more drugs and the development of further assays to use its potential even in limited quantities.

Simultaneous multi-targeted forensic toxicological screening in biological matrices by MRM-IDA-EPI mode

“…However, these matrices are not always available at autopsy as in the case of high decomposition and fire (Bierly and Labay 2018;de Campos et al 2022;Gallardo and Queiroz 2008). For this reason, it is important for forensic investigations to use alternative matrices, such as vitreous humor, synovial fluid, cadaveric tissue and cadaveric larvae (Deking et al 2014;Greco et al 2023;Groth et al 2022;Kintz et al 1990;Savini et al 2020). Indeed, as necrophagous insects, attracted by the odour produced during decomposition, enter the soft parts of the body and feed on the decomposed tissues containing xenobiotics, they could be indicative of human exposure to drugs of abuse (Groth et al 2022;Joseph et al 2011).…”