Reliability of the forensic science laboratory in clinical poisoning cases

A nursing student was admitted to our hospital with a history of ‘deep sleep’ said to have been caused by a soft drink in which some white powder was discernible. Despite supportive and symptomatic measures, the patient did not improve over the next three days. Gastric lavage had been done on admission, and this was sent to the forensic science laboratory (FSL) for identification of the incriminating agent. The FSL report indicated the presence of paracetamol, but the signs, symptoms and investigations were not in favour of paracetamol poisoning. The case was treated for barbiturate poisoning based on the clinical picture, and the results were very good. Complete recovery took place on the 5^th day.