What is the role of a chemist in forensic toxicology?

• A. To identify what the substance is
• B. To determine the effects of the substance
• C. To predict legal consequences
• D. To collect evidence

Answer: (A)

In forensic toxicology, the chemist’s role centers on identifying what substance is present in a sample. That means applying analytical techniques—such as GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, and immunoassays—to determine the chemical identity, confirm it with appropriate methods, and often determine the concentration as well. This identification is the essential first step that allows any interpretation about exposure, toxicity, and relevance to a case to be made later.

While understanding effects or predicting legal consequences are important in toxicology, those tasks are handled after the substance has been accurately identified and quantified. Similarly, collecting evidence is the investigators’ job; the chemist’s contribution is the lab analysis that provides reliable identification and measurement data to support the case.