Mass Spectrometry Methods for Securing Road Traffic Drugs and Casework Toxicology Convictions

Abstract

This chapter describes the development and application of mass spectrometry methodologies used for obtaining evidence in forensic toxicology casework. It covers the evolution of methods from simple colour spot tests to the mass spectrometry approaches used today. The application of mass spectrometry to both road traffic drugs and casework toxicology is discussed in order to provide both context and insight into how evidence is attained in this area of forensic science and how the technique may evolve in the future to meet the demands of the criminal justice system.