Forensic toxicology: practice question

A Forensic Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Forensic Medicine · Forensic toxicology

Sample item

Which specimen is especially valuable for detecting recent carbon monoxide exposure in a deceased person?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Peripheral blood for carboxyhaemoglobin measurement

Peripheral blood can be analysed for carboxyhaemoglobin, which supports carbon monoxide exposure when interpreted alongside fire scene and autopsy findings.

Option by option

  • A. Peripheral blood for carboxyhaemoglobin measurement (correct)

    Correct: blood carboxyhaemoglobin reflects recent carbon monoxide binding.

  • B. Hair for melanin concentration

    Hair melanin does not establish carbon monoxide exposure.

  • C. Bile for glucose estimation

    Bile glucose is not a standard toxicology marker for this question.

  • D. Nail clippings for sodium measurement

    Nail sodium has no role in confirming carbon monoxide poisoning.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Forensic Medicine questions

Questions about this Forensic Medicine question

What is the answer to this Forensic Medicine question?

The best answer is A, Peripheral blood for carboxyhaemoglobin measurement. Peripheral blood can be analysed for carboxyhaemoglobin, which supports carbon monoxide exposure when interpreted alongside fire scene and autopsy findings.

Why is "Hair for melanin concentration" not the answer?

Hair melanin does not establish carbon monoxide exposure.

Why is "Bile for glucose estimation" not the answer?

Bile glucose is not a standard toxicology marker for this question.

Why is "Nail clippings for sodium measurement" not the answer?

Nail sodium has no role in confirming carbon monoxide poisoning.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Forensic toxicology in Forensic Medicine. The correct option holds because: Correct: blood carboxyhaemoglobin reflects recent carbon monoxide binding.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Forensic toxicology?

Learn postmortem changes with their timelines, and toxicology as poison, sign, test and antidote. Then use the flashcards and the other Forensic Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.