Toxicology

The study of negative (adverse) effects of chemicals on living organisms

Toxin

a substance that can cause injury or death. Usually kill rapidly in small amounts

Chronic Exposure

Continual interaction with toxins over a long period of time

Acute Toxicity

a dose large enough to cause immediate problems including death

Spot Tests

A chemical reaction that occurs when an indicator is added to an unknown

Example: Color Change

Confirmatory Tests

A test that specifically identifies ONE substance

using chromatography, infrared and mass spectrometry

False Positive

when a test result indicates that a substance is present when it really isn't there

Controlled drugs

Drugs whose possession is dictated by the law

Illicit Drugs

Drugs that are illegal also called "Drugs of Abuse"

Licit drugs

Drugs that are legal to use, such as, caffeine.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that change the users normal though process,perception, and mood

Example: Marijuana

Stimulants

Drugs that increase the heart rate, blood pressure and the users awareness

Example: Cocaine

Depressants

Drugs that decrease the heart rate, blood pressure and awareness and causes drowsiness

Example: Alcohol

Opiates

Drugs that alleviate pain by affecting the central nervous system.

Example: Heroin

Presumptive Tests

Screening tests that test for the presence of a questioned substance

Example: Spot tests

Chromatography

Separating the components of a mixture using the principle of capillary action to move a substance across a stationary surface

Spectrophotometry

The measurement the wavelength of light  (electromagnetic radiation) that can be absorbed by a substance