A gas chromatographic analysis of phosphine in biological material in a case of suicide.
In a suicide committed using aluminium phosphide (AlP) the liberated toxic phosphine gas was detected in post-mortem specimens using a headspace gas chromatographic procedure with a nitrogen-phosphorous detector (HS-GC/NPD). At autopsy a direct sampling into airtight headspace vials for a later analysis is recommended. AlP has to be considered a potent pesticide and its use and availability should be restricted as much as possible.
Musshoff
F
F
Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, 53111 Bonn, Germany. f.musshoff@uni-bonn.de
Preuss
J
J
Lignitz
E
E
Madea
B
B
D000328:Adult; D017607:Aluminum Compounds / Q000032:analysis* / Q000506:poisoning; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D053593:Forensic Toxicology; D005766:Gastrointestinal Contents / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000737:chemistry; D010575:Pesticides / Q000032:analysis* / Q000506:poisoning; D010720:Phosphines / Q000032:analysis* / Q000506:poisoning; D013405:Suicide
D017607:Aluminum Compounds; D010575:Pesticides; D010720:Phosphines; C001864:aluminum phosphide