Fatal Strychnine Ingestion

Abstract

A postmortem case involving ingestion of a strychnine-containing preparation is reported. Strychnine levels were determined in blood, urine, bile, liver, kidney, stomach contents, small and large intestines, and brain. The procedure, which is sensitive and specific, employs a gas-liquid chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID). The extraction procedure using 5 mL of body fluids or tissue homogenate is described in detail. This is the first strychnine mortality in Allegheny County within a period of 20 years.