Fundamentals of Analytical Toxicology

"Analytical toxicology is concerned with the detection, identification, and measurement of drugs and other foreign compounds (xenobiotics) and their metabolites, and in some cases endogenous compounds, in biological and related specimens. The analytical toxicologist can play a useful role in the diagnosis, management, and indeed the prevention of poisoning, but to do so a basic knowledge of clinical and forensic toxicology is essential. Moreover, the analyst must be able to communicate effectively with clinicians, pathologists, coroners, police, members of the legal profession, and a range of other people. In addition, a good understanding of analytical chemistry, clinical chemistry, pathology, clinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and occupational and environmental health is essential"--.