Thin Layer Chromatography as a Routine Appropriate Technique for the Determination of Bipyridylium Herbicides in Post Mortem Human Tissues

A thin layer chromatographic procedure for the detection of bipyridylium compounds in post-mortem human tissues is described. To verify the suitability of the method, human biological samples originating from two fatal poisoning cases, are analyzed. In the first case, an amount of Gramoxone® (Paraquat) was taken orally. Death occurred after ± 30 hours without any specific treatment. The second case is concerned with an ingestion of Reglone® (Diquat), followed by death after 5 days of intensive care treatment.