A variety of instrumental techniques are employed in toxicology, each with its unique capabilities and applications. Some of the most common techniques include:
Gas Chromatography (GC): Used for separating and analyzing compounds that can be vaporized. It's often combined with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for identifying substances within a test sample. Liquid Chromatography (LC): Ideal for non-volatile and thermally unstable compounds, LC can be coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for enhanced analysis. Mass Spectrometry (MS): Provides detailed molecular information about sample components, helping in identification and quantification. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy: Offers molecular structure information, useful for elucidating chemical structures of unknown compounds. Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy: Used for identifying organic, polymeric, and in some cases, inorganic materials by producing an infrared absorption spectrum. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS): Measures concentrations of metal ions, crucial for detecting metal toxicants in environmental and biological samples.
