NCJ Number
130199
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 36 Issue: 3 Dated: (May 1991) Pages: 673-684
Date Published
1991
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study investigated whether blood cocaine concentrations in the body change during the postmortem interval and to what extent.
Abstract
Specimens analyzed in the study were obtained from cases investigated by the Dade County Medical Examiner Department. Blood samples were collected as soon as possible after death in cases suggesting use of cocaine (scene blood samples) and again at autopsy from multiple vascular sites. Gas chromatographic/mass spectroscopic analysis of paired samples revealed significant differences in cocaine concentration. The magnitude and direction of the changes appears to be site dependent. During the interval between death and autopsy, the cocaine concentration in subclavian vein blood decreased, while the heart, aorta, and femoral vein blood increased. These data suggest blood cocaine concentrations change significantly during the interval between death and autopsy dependent upon the site from which the blood is sampled. 11 tables and 25 references (Author abstract modified)