Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology - Forensic Medicine

Toxicological laboratory 

In case of death in connection with unknown nox poisoning, this laboratory provides its identification. The determination of these substances is based on classical methods of analytical chemistry in appropriate modifications. With regard to modern trends, appropriate instrumental methods are used.

The basic task of the laboratory is to determine the alcohol in the blood of the dead. The main method for determining the level of alcohol in the blood is gas chromatography (GC), and the Widmark method (iodometric titration) is used for verification. Volatiles such as acetone, acetaldehyde and toluene were further determined by gas chromatography. Carbon monoxide is detected in the blood of the dead when poisoning by this noxa (spectrophotometry) is suspected. In cyanide poisoning, we detect cyanide ions in the stomach contents. Another basic task is the determination of drugs in biological material. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) are used for detection. For the needs of the police, blood is being tested for alcohol in living persons who have committed a crime. In the case of a gunshot wound, nitrite is provided as evidence of the presence of gunpowder in the vicinity of the firing site.

On 23 January 2017, the Toxicological Laboratory of the Department of Forensic Medicine obtained a certificate of compliance with the conditions of Audit II of the National Authorization Center for Clinical Laboratories at ČLS JEP and participated in the quality improvement program guaranteed by the Ministry of Health.

Determination of blood alcohol levels

The Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology determines the levels of alcohol in the blood of living persons for the needs of the Czech Police and other entities.

• opening hours: Mon - Fri 06:00 - 15:45

Price list

• Prices are charged according to the Price List of services not covered by health insurance in accordance with VFN legislation.
• Blood / urine test for alcohol: CZK 650.

Payments

• By postal order, in cash at the box office of the General Hospital or the secretariat of the institute.
• The result will be issued only to the applicant upon presentation of proof of payment.

Histological laboratory

The basic tasks of this laboratory include the processing of necropsies and staining of histological specimens by classical methods used in pathological and anatomical departments. For forensic purposes, fat-stained cryostat excisions are made to demonstrate fat embolism to confirm the diagnosis of the intravital effect of violence on the human body. We also demonstrate hemosiderin and hematoidin, important for the assessment of injury age. An interesting forensic medical diagnosis is the identification of siliceous shells of diatoms in the fluid from the lungs and in the internal organs at death by drowning.

• opening hours: Mon - Fri 06:00 - 15:45

Immunohistochemical laboratory

For forensic purposes, metals (metallization) in the case of electric shock and the distinction between shot and shot defects in gunshot wounds are demonstrated in this laboratory. Important tests include blood group determination by histotesting in cases where classical serology cannot be used, for example in advanced putrefactive decomposition of the body. Furthermore, the myocardium was histochemically examined for early signs of ischemia based on coronary heart disease as one of the most common causes of sudden death.

Serological laboratory

In the serology laboratory, blood groups are determined and traces of biological origin are identified, which can be crucial in clarifying serious crimes. It can be a spot, part of the tissue, skin adnexa and the like, in which we prove the human origin, sex and nature of the trace. The aim is to identify as accurately as possible the individual from whom the biological footprint comes.

• opening hours: Mon - Fri 06:00 - 14:45