1Department of Forensic Science, Punjabi University, Patiala, 147002, Punjab, India
2Government Rajindra Hospital and Medical College, Patiala, Punjab, India
*Corresponding Author Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Mohan Sharma Department of Forensic Science, Punjabi University, Patiala 147002, Punjab, India. Phone: +91-9417092234 (M) E-mail: rmsforensics@gmail.com
Online published on 5 October, 2016.
Phosphine is a toxic gas and causes fatal poisoning in humans. It is generated from metal phosphides due to the action of dilute hydrochloric acid present in the stomach. In episodes of metal phosphides poisoning, metal acts as carrier of phosphine gas. Detection of phosphine in toxicological specimens confirms the poisoning by it. Colour test can be used for screening purpose in cases of poisoning by phosphine. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry provides the pin point identity of phosphine in toxicological samples.
Metal phosphides, phosphine, toxicological samples, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
