Journal Published Online: 01 January 1990
Volume 35, Issue 1

Opiate Analysis in Cadaveric Blowfly Larvae as an Indicator of Narcotic Intoxication

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Specimens of liver were collected from 40 cases in which the cause of death had been determined to be opiate intoxication. Rearings of Calliphora vicina larvae were then promoted on the decomposing liver. A control group of 10 decomposed liver specimens from non-opiate deaths was treated similarly. Analysis of larvae and liver for opiates (morphine) was conducted by radioimmunoassay. Good qualitative and quantitative correlation was observed in both the positive and negative groups. Regression analysis comparing the concentrations of opiates found in the larvae with those found in the liver in the positive group resulted in a correlation of r = 0.790.

Author Information

Introna, F
Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bari, Policlinico, Bari, MD, Italy
Dico, CL
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Baltimore, MD
Caplan, YH
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Baltimore, MD
Smialek, JE
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Baltimore, MD
Pages: 5
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS12808J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12808J