BSFS Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology 2

Question 1

Which type of drug test is considered confirmatory rather than presumptive in forensic toxicology?

Accepted Answer

Mass spectrometry

Answer

Mass spectrometry provides definitive molecular identification and is accepted as a confirmatory test, whereas immunoassays are screening tools with higher false-positive rates.

Question 2

The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving in most U.S. states for adults is:

Accepted Answer

0.08%

Answer

The per se legal limit for DUI in all 50 U.S. states is 0.08% BAC for drivers aged 21 and older.

Question 3

Which enzyme is primarily responsible for metabolizing alcohol (ethanol) in the liver?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)

Answer

Alcohol dehydrogenase is the primary hepatic enzyme that converts ethanol to acetaldehyde in the first step of ethanol metabolism.

Question 4

Postmortem redistribution of drugs is a concern in forensic toxicology because it can:

Accepted Answer

Cause drug concentrations to increase or change after death, complicating interpretation

Answer

After death, drugs can migrate from organs with high concentrations into blood, making postmortem drug levels unreliable if not collected from the correct site promptly.

Question 5

The Scott test is a presumptive field test used specifically for identifying:

Accepted Answer

Cocaine

Answer

The Scott test uses cobalt thiocyanate reagent and turns blue in the presence of cocaine, serving as a presumptive field identification test.

BSFS - Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science Practice Test

BSFS - Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science Practice Test

BSFS Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology 2