ODW2609 – Postmortem Toxicology: What Can Dead People Tell Us?

Course Materials: Recording and PDF of the power point slides.

Description: Autopsy reports and other postmortem findings tell the story of what happened to a person before they died. This session will cover the basics of postmortem toxicology for legal professionals, including what happens in the body after death, how  postmortem changes affect drug levels, and what the different sources of drug levels are in the deceased. Explore how drug levels may be tied to the cause of death in cases involving overdose, prescription medication, impairment, or street drug use. Review what information a toxicologist needs to help answer your questions in a postmortem case.

Presenter Biography: Dr. Allison Muller is a board-certified toxicologist, fellow of the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, affiliate fellow of the American College of Medical Toxicology, and registered pharmacist with over 30 years of experience in clinical toxicology. After a nearly 30-year career leading the Poison Control Center at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Dr. Muller is now an independent consultant specializing in providing expert witness testimony on cases involving medications, street drugs, alcohol, chemicals, and environmental toxins. She is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.