Michael Jackson’s toxicology report is holding up the full swing of the criminal investigation that his recent death has required. Toxicology reports are expected to hold water in courts that is why a meticulous and scientific process to produce such a report will make it legally offensive evidence. These reports, though, understandably take time to be finalized.
The first step is gathering enough material for the subsequent lab tests. The body of Michael Jackson is without his brain because much of the tissues being used for lab testing came from sliced portions of the brain. It is said that it takes an average of two to four weeks for the human brain to harden enough to be sliced for the purpose of tissue sampling. Forensic medicine experts ‘collect at least 25 mL of heart blood, 10 mL of peripheral blood, and 50-gram tissue samples from the subject’s brain, liver, and kidney.’
The next step is alcohol screening and a generalized immunoassay test. These are supposed to show evidence of the existence of opiates or tranquillizers. If drugs have been detected, the analyst must zero in on the ‘exact exact nature of the offending substance.’
The ensuing report undergoes review. Since, using ‘a well-preserved specimen’ is not always the case, additional tests are always requested by supervising authorities. Laboratories need to be absolutely certain about their findings because these reports ultimately serve as basis in deciding court cases, as in the case of MJ’s death which police have ascertained to be worthy of criminal investigation as a manslaughter case at the very least.
Via Slate
