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Other alcohols and volatiles

المؤلف:  Sue Jickells , Adam Negrusz (Editors)

المصدر:  Clarkes Analytical Forensic Toxicology

الجزء والصفحة:  212

2026-10-14

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Other alcohols and volatiles

The presence of volatiles other than alcohol in postmortem specimens generally, but not always, indicates exposure to, or ingestion of, such compounds. However, some solvents may be formed during life, or by postmortem processes. An example is acetone, which can be present in poorly controlled diabetics at concentrations up to, and sometimes exceeding, 80 mg/ 100 mL. Acetone is also sometimes present at lower concentrations (e.g. below 10 mg/ 100 mL) in chronic alcoholics, malnourished individuals and those who suffer from severe stress. Isopropanol can also be present in trace amounts, and is probably formed as a post mortem artefact from acetone (Davis et al. 1984). The presence of both isopropanol and acetone can result from solvent ingestion/inhalation (acetone is the major metabolite of isopropanol). In more northerly climates, methanol is readily available, and accidental or suicidal methanol poisonings are common. Methanol can also be present as an artefact of postmortem change. Methanol is a major ingredient in many embalming fluids, and therefore is present in most embalmed bodies. Some forensic examinations take place in funeral homes, especially in rural areas, and blood or other fluids collected may be contaminated inadvertently with embalming fluid. Less obvious is contamination of motor vehicle accident victims with methanol contained in windshield washer fluid, in which concentrations can be 30% or higher. Blood collected from any site other than from an intact blood vessel has the potential for contamination. It is even possible for the vitreous fluid to be contaminated after the eye has been splashed with windshield fluid.