Helium Poisoning: New Procedure for Sampling and Analysis
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Helium Poisoning: New Procedure for Sampling and Analysis. / Varlet, Vincent; Iwersen-Bergmann, S; Alexandre, M; Cordes, O; Wunder, C; Holz, F; Andresen-Streichert, H; Bevalot, F; Dumestre-Toulet, V; Malbranque, S; Fracasso, T; Grabherr, S.
in: INT J LEGAL MED, Jahrgang 133, Nr. 6, 11.2019, S. 1809-1818.Publikationen: SCORING: Beitrag in Fachzeitschrift/Zeitung › SCORING: Zeitschriftenaufsatz › Forschung › Begutachtung
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Helium Poisoning: New Procedure for Sampling and Analysis
AU - Varlet, Vincent
AU - Iwersen-Bergmann, S
AU - Alexandre, M
AU - Cordes, O
AU - Wunder, C
AU - Holz, F
AU - Andresen-Streichert, H
AU - Bevalot, F
AU - Dumestre-Toulet, V
AU - Malbranque, S
AU - Fracasso, T
AU - Grabherr, S
PY - 2019/11
Y1 - 2019/11
N2 - An increasing number of suicidal asphyxiation with a plastic bag with inert gases, and in particular helium (He), have been reported from numerous countries over the last decade. These cases are differently managed and lead to different and variable interpretations. Based on the 12 last cases analysed in the laboratory and on the review of the most recent literature about this topic, updated autopsy guidelines for sampling have been proposed regarding to the samples choice and analytical challenges required by the gaseous state of this substance. Biological samples from airways (lungs lobe) followed by brain and cardiac blood are the best matrices to take during the autopsy to diagnose He exposure. Gaseous samples from trachea, pulmonary bronchi, gastric and cardiac areas are also recommended as alternative samples. The anatomical site of sampling must be carefully detailed, and to this end, forensic imaging constitutes a beneficial tool. Even if He detection is sufficient to conclude to He exposure, He concentrations in samples may be related to He exposure conditions (duration, breathing rate, etc.). A quantification in biological samples could be helpful to document more precisely the case. He concentrations in gaseous samples are reported up to 6.0 μmol/mL (tracheal gas), 2.4 μmol/mL (pulmonary gas), 0.64 μmol/mL (cardiac gas) and 12 μmol/mL (gastric gas). He concentrations in solid/liquid samples are reported up to 28 μmol/g (lungs) and 0.03 μmol/g (cardiac blood). The other matrices usually sampled during autopsy such as urine, peripheral blood, liver, fat matter and kidney appear as not relevant.
AB - An increasing number of suicidal asphyxiation with a plastic bag with inert gases, and in particular helium (He), have been reported from numerous countries over the last decade. These cases are differently managed and lead to different and variable interpretations. Based on the 12 last cases analysed in the laboratory and on the review of the most recent literature about this topic, updated autopsy guidelines for sampling have been proposed regarding to the samples choice and analytical challenges required by the gaseous state of this substance. Biological samples from airways (lungs lobe) followed by brain and cardiac blood are the best matrices to take during the autopsy to diagnose He exposure. Gaseous samples from trachea, pulmonary bronchi, gastric and cardiac areas are also recommended as alternative samples. The anatomical site of sampling must be carefully detailed, and to this end, forensic imaging constitutes a beneficial tool. Even if He detection is sufficient to conclude to He exposure, He concentrations in samples may be related to He exposure conditions (duration, breathing rate, etc.). A quantification in biological samples could be helpful to document more precisely the case. He concentrations in gaseous samples are reported up to 6.0 μmol/mL (tracheal gas), 2.4 μmol/mL (pulmonary gas), 0.64 μmol/mL (cardiac gas) and 12 μmol/mL (gastric gas). He concentrations in solid/liquid samples are reported up to 28 μmol/g (lungs) and 0.03 μmol/g (cardiac blood). The other matrices usually sampled during autopsy such as urine, peripheral blood, liver, fat matter and kidney appear as not relevant.
KW - Asphyxia
KW - Brain Chemistry
KW - Bronchi/chemistry
KW - Forensic Toxicology/methods
KW - Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
KW - Heart Ventricles/chemistry
KW - Helium/analysis
KW - Humans
KW - Inhalant Abuse
KW - Lung/chemistry
KW - Poisoning/diagnosis
KW - Specimen Handling
KW - Stomach/chemistry
KW - Suicide
KW - Trachea/chemistry
U2 - 10.1007/s00414-019-02014-3
DO - 10.1007/s00414-019-02014-3
M3 - SCORING: Journal article
C2 - 30734118
VL - 133
SP - 1809
EP - 1818
JO - INT J LEGAL MED
JF - INT J LEGAL MED
SN - 0937-9827
IS - 6
ER -