Reconstruction of a case of thallium poisoning using LA-ICP-SFMS

International Journal of Legal Medicine
Stephan HannChristian Reiter

Abstract

The unique capabilities of laser ablation in combination with inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-SFMS) were employed to reconstruct details of a homicide by thallium poisoning, which took place 38 years ago in Austria. Thallium was determined in several human bone samples after acid digestion in a microwave oven. The ICP-SFMS results showed that the thallium concentration in the victim's bones was in the range 1.07-2.63 microg g(-1), which is up to 170 times higher compared to concentrations found in bones of persons who have died due to natural causes. The results were in accordance with the values obtained by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS). Laser ablation ICP-SFMS was applied to assess the time interval between the victim's poisoning and death. Several line scans with a laser spot size of 50 mum were performed on a thumbnail of the poisoned person and on a reference thumbnail by laser ablation ICP-SFMS. Thallium peaks were detected on the nail of the victim at a distance of 2.5 mm from the younger edge of the nail.

References

Sep 1, 1996·Journal of Applied Toxicology : JAT·R Barroso-MoguelS Galvan-Arzate
Jan 1, 1997·International Journal of Legal Medicine·K KudoN Ikeda
Mar 9, 1999·Forensic Science International : Synergy·P NeisH Bratzke
Feb 7, 2001·Food Additives and Contaminants·G YsartN Harrison
Dec 1, 2001·Forensic Science International : Synergy·N RaikosS N Njau
Sep 5, 2002·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Frederik A de WolffGijsbert B van der Voet
Feb 27, 2004·International Journal of Legal Medicine·B KargerB Brinkmann

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Jun 11, 2005·Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·Christina StadlbauerGerhard Stingeder
May 5, 2009·La Revue de médecine interne·J-P GoulléC Lacroix
Apr 4, 2009·Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery·Bertrand RichertJosette Andre
Aug 18, 2005·Journal of Mass Spectrometry : JMS
Aug 3, 2007·Journal of Environmental Monitoring : JEM·Michael Krachler
Mar 26, 2021·Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift·Christian Reiter, Thomas Prohaska
May 22, 2021·Chemical Reviews·Philip A DobleDavid Clases

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.