In forensic toxicology analysis, various types of biological samples have their own special characteristics and scope of applications. In this article, the physiological structure of nails, methods for collecting and pre-processing samples, and for analyzing some poisons and drugs in the nails are reviewed with details. This paper introduces the influence factors of drug abuse of the nails. The prospects of its further applications are concluded based on the research results. Nails, as an unconventional bio-sample without general application, show great potential and advantages in forensic toxicology.
Alprazolam/analysis* ; Azabicyclo Compounds/analysis* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Cocaine/analysis* ; Diazepam/analysis* ; Eszopiclone ; Forensic Toxicology/methods* ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Hair/chemistry* ; Humans ; Illicit Drugs/analysis* ; Nails/physiology* ; Piperazines/analysis* ; Specimen Handling/methods* ; Substance Abuse Detection/methods*

A 63-year-old man was found in the street after overrun by a car. Postmortem CT revealed multiple bone fractures, but surprisingly all without any relevant hemorrhage which would have been expected under such circumstances. A round radiopaque formation was found in the duodenum, which was reminiscent of ingested tablets. The toxicological analysis revealed high concentrations of zopiclone and alcohol. By combining radiologic and forensic results, zopiclone and alcohol intoxication were concluded as the cause of death, followed by a postmortem overrun accident.
Accidents, Traffic ; Alcoholic Intoxication/*diagnosis ; Azabicyclo Compounds/analysis/*poisoning ; Duodenum/*radiography ; Fatal Outcome ; Humans ; Hypnotics and Sedatives/analysis/*poisoning ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Piperazines/analysis/*poisoning ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/*methods