In sexual assault investigations, which samples are collected for toxicology?

• A. Hair and nails
• B. Urine only
• C. Saliva
• D. Blood and urine for toxicology

Answer: (D)

In toxicology for sexual assault investigations, the aim is to determine whether substances influenced the events or the people involved around the time of the incident. The standard approach is to collect both blood and urine. Blood testing shows current or recent presence of substances and their levels, which is especially important for alcohol and certain drugs that affect cognition and behavior. Urine testing broadens the window of detection by showing substances and metabolites that may have been consumed earlier, extending the ability to identify intoxication even after blood levels have declined. Hair and nails indicate longer-term exposure rather than acute intoxication, and saliva testing, while useful for some substances, isn’t as comprehensive for a forensic toxicology profile. So, collecting blood and urine provides the most complete and reliable toxicology information in this context.