A novel procedure for stabilization of azide in biological samples and method for its determination (HS-GC-FID/FID)

Abstract

Sodium azide is an old poison with toxicity comparable to potassium cyanide. It would seem to be completely forgotten however, between 2000 and 2020, the number of intentional ingestions and murders committed with sodium azide significantly increased. Furthermore, due to its extreme instability, sodium azide is difficult to detect, which poses an additional risk when used to commit a crime. In this study, the epidemiology of sodium azide exposures between 1920 and 2020 was investigated. For the determination the azide concentration in biological samples, a simple, precise and selective headspace gas chromatography method (HS-GC-FID/FID) was developed and fully validated. The limit of quantification was 0.65 µg/mL; and the limit of detection was 0.35 µg/mL; precision and accuracy did not exceed 20%. The stability study was conducted for various biological fluids (urine, bile, blood, gastric content) for 91 days in the refrigerator (4 °C) and the method for stabilization of azide was presented. The addition of a mixture of borax and sodium fluoride (w/w 3:1) to the test tubes can stabilize this poison. The described unique technique of collecting the biological samples poses a great potential for azide detection in clinical and toxicology laboratories even long time after human exposure to this substance.

The dark side of social media: Two deaths related with chloroform intoxication

“…Even though chloroform is not a common substance used nowadays, this back in the day used poison still can serve as a life threatening xenobiotic, together with other substances considered as old poisons, as there are reported cases related to for example, cyanide [13], arsenic [26], or sodium azide [27] poisoning. Epidemiology research conducted by Wachełko et al [28] indicate that the latter is more and more often used both in suicide and homicide attempts. In our study, we present two lethal chloroform intoxication cases that might be suicide attempts, but other circumstances cannot be excluded.…”

Characterization of alcohol levels in autopsies carried out by Forensic Medicine (Honduras) during December 2022 and January 2023

“…Gas chromatography is used to determine the concentration of ethanol in blood and urine. This process requires following the conditions established by protocols for these analyses, and then separation is performed based on the chemical and physical properties of the sample 13 . Ethanol is detected by sensors that provide a quantitative reading of its concentration present in the object of study.…”

Internet-Purchased Sodium Azide Used in a Fatal Suicide Attempt: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…It is a white crystalline powder that is tasteless, odorless, and highly soluble in water [ 1 ]. Sodium azide transforms into hydrazoic acid when it comes into contact with water [ 1 , 2 ]. The compound is used in several fields, most notably as a propellant in vehicular airbags and safety chutes in airplanes [ 3 ].…”

“…In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of reports detailing (deadly) poisonings caused by sodium azide. Since the 1980s, there has been a significant increase in sodium azide intoxications in comparison to previous decades [ 2 ]. Continuing, there has been an increase in the number of suicides committed with sodium azide since the year 2000 [ 2 ].…”