Post-Mortem Opioid Detection: Proposed Solution

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Title: Post-Mortem Opioid Detection: Proposed Solution
Author: Kian B. Horton
Faculty Sponsor: Patricia Flatt; Gavin Keulks
Date: 6/1/2022
Abstract: The purpose of this research project is to explore gaps in forensic toxicology techniques and
information surrounding post mortem events. Focusing on opioid detection in the human body will further detection limits and identification after death. This research serves to break down the detection, separation, and identification of new designer drugs while combating the common challenges drug analysis faces.

This project will explore the naturally occurring chemicals found in our body when living, the breakdown of chemicals in the body post mortem, and the detection of foreign compounds post mortem. It is beneficial to the identification of people, along with reconstruction of the events leading up to death. Relying on previous research, I will build on the gaps in post mortem opioid detection and analysis to suggest ways to improve this research, utilizing my extensive knowledge from chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and introduction to toxicology. The end result will encompass detection techniques and alternative solutions to detecting novel opioids in the human body after death.
Type: Text; Honors Thesis
Department: Honors Program
Language: eng
Rights: Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 06/01/2023, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.; http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Identifier: honors_theses/268