Overview of systematic toxicological analysis strategies and their coverage of substances in forensic toxicology

Abstract Systematic toxicological analysis (STA) is the process of using an adequate analytical methodology to detect and identify as many potentially toxicologically relevant compounds possible in biological samples. STA important part everyday routine work within forensic toxicology, several methods for have frequently been published reviewed independently. However, drugs other substances involved, well constant emergence new ones, may pose a major challenge STA, which often demands strategy involving multiple parallel. Such strategies evaluated less despite their relevance toxicology. This mini‐review briefly summarizes commonly applied including gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) liquid chromatography–MS (LC–MS) methods, highlights some potential pitfalls. Second, it provides overview previously reported conduct presentation authors’ laboratory. involves broad drug screening by LC–high‐resolution MS, supported targeted quantification LC–tandem headspace (HS)‐GC–MS, HS‐GC–flame ionization detector complementary methods. The aims cover seeks reduce pitfalls arising casework. review underlines that not every substance can be identified all circumstances even with comprehensive strategy.