What Techniques are Used for Chemical Identification?
Several analytical methods are employed for chemical identification in toxicology. Some of the most common include:
Chromatography: Techniques such as gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) are used to separate and analyze complex mixtures. Mass Spectrometry: Often coupled with chromatography, this technique identifies chemicals by measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. Spectroscopy: Methods like infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy provide information about molecular structure and composition. Elemental Analysis: Used to determine the elemental composition of a sample.