Philippine Constabulary Laboratory History

Questions and Answers

What significant change occurred to the Philippine Constabulary Laboratory?

It was disbanded completely.

It became the PNP Crime Laboratory. (correct)

It was rebranded as the National Forensic Laboratory.

It was merged with the NBI.

Who was the first director of the Philippine Constabulary Laboratory?

An unnamed official

Dr. Jose Rizal

Dr. Sixto de los Angeles

Freer (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of the BGL?

Analyzing counterfeit drinks (correct)

Performing biological analyses

Reproduction of vaccines

Chemical analyses

What type of analyses were performed by the crime laboratory as of 1904?

Analysis of bloodstains Signup and view all the answers

What role does forensic toxicology play in crime investigations?

It analyzes the presence of drugs and alcohol. Signup and view all the answers

When was the Department of Legal Medicine created?

March 11, 1915 Signup and view all the answers

Which two crime laboratories are currently distinct in the Philippines?

PNP Crime Laboratory and Forensic Chemistry Division of NBI Signup and view all the answers

What type of samples are analyzed to determine drug and alcohol impairment?

Biological samples such as blood and urine Signup and view all the answers

What are precipitants derived from?

Barbituric acid Signup and view all the answers

What therapeutic use is associated with Morphine?

Analgesic and sedative Signup and view all the answers

Which chemical is known for its use as an insecticide and is primarily derived from tobacco?

Nicotine Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of Strychnine?

It is a stimulant of the central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding Arsenic?

It can be found in a crystalline form. Signup and view all the answers

What is Methyl Alcohol commonly used for?

Wood preservation Signup and view all the answers

What type of poison is Strychnine categorized as?

Insecticide Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is correct about Chemical Antidotes?

They make the poison harmless by chemically altering it. Signup and view all the answers

Which bodily fluid can potentially be detected for the longest duration after consumption?

Urine Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic symptom of acute poisoning?

Symptoms appear suddenly Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT mentioned as affecting cocaine's presence in the system?

Diet Signup and view all the answers

In chronic poisoning, how does the onset of symptoms typically occur?

Gradually and insidiously Signup and view all the answers

What must be done first in the isolation process of a poison?

Isolate the poison from other substances Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods can be used to isolate volatile poisons?

Extraction with alcohol and chloroform Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following may indicate a chronic poisoning scenario?

Symptoms lasting for weeks with no clear cause Signup and view all the answers

What are potential signs that an offender might have used toxic elements?

Toxic water or container elements Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common effect of chronic poisoning?

Weight gain Signup and view all the answers

What can potentially result from taking several small doses of a drug over time?

Hallucinations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a form of homicidal poisoning?

Giving poison with intent to kill Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is likely to be absorbed readily by the blood to act as a poison?

A soluble substance in liquid form Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of chronic poisoning linked to certain substances?

Memory loss Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'suicidal poisoning' refer to?

Deliberately taking poison to end one’s life Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a stimulant that increases heart rate?

PCP Signup and view all the answers

What typically characterizes cyanosis in the context of toxicology?

Cyanotic skin due to lack of oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'dose' specifically refer to?

The specific amount of a drug administered to a patient Signup and view all the answers

What does TD50 indicate in pharmacology?

The toxic dose for 50 percent of the animals tested Signup and view all the answers

Why is the measurement of dose critical in medication administration?

To ensure patients receive sufficient treatment without harm Signup and view all the answers

What does a larger TD indicate regarding a substance?

It takes more substance to produce signs of toxicity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding toxic doses?

They may produce symptoms like nausea without causing death Signup and view all the answers

What measurement units are doses commonly expressed in?

Milligrams and micrograms primarily Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of 'dose' relate to the action of a substance as a therapeutic agent or poison?

The action depends entirely on the dose administered Signup and view all the answers

What happens if too much water is ingested?

It can become poisonous to the body Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Philippine Crime Laboratories

Established in 1959, with Freer as the 1st director of the Philippine Constabulary Laboratory.
Transitioned to PNP Crime Laboratory after the abolition of the Philippine Constabulary.
Initially aimed to perform biological and chemical analyses, and produce vaccines and sera.

Historical Context of Forensic Toxicology

In 1904, forensic analyses included counterfeit coin examination, poison tests, and bloodstain analysis.
Department of Legal Medicine created on March 11, 1915, under Dr. Sixto de los Angeles.

Effects of Chronic Poisoning

Larger doses may induce hallucinations, memory loss, anxiety, paranoia, and can lead to death.
Common agents include cannabis, ketamine, LSD, psilocybin, and PCP.

Stimulants and Their Effects

Stimulants enhance communication between brain and body, increasing heart rate and blood pressure.

Types of Poisoning

Accidental: Poison ingested unintentionally.
Homicidal: Administered with intent to kill.
Suicidal: Victim ingests poison to end their life.

Blood Alcohol Concentration Effects

Alcohol percentage affects clinical intoxication and varies in storage duration in biological samples.
Blood: detectable for up to 2 days; Saliva: 2 days; Urine: up to 3 days.

Factors Affecting Drug Impact

Key factors include weight, frequency of use, dosage, and the individual’s metabolism.

Poison Isolation and Examination Methods

Isolation: Pure forms of poison isolated through extraction using solvents.
Symptoms of acute poisoning arise suddenly, while chronic poisoning presents with gradual symptoms.

Dose: Specific amount of a drug administered; critical for therapeutic vs. toxic effects.
Toxic Dose (TD): Dose that produces toxicity in a percentage of the population; TD50 indicates toxicity for 50% of test animals.

Precipitating Agents and Chemical Antidotes

Precipitating agents prevent poison absorption, while chemical antidotes render poisons harmless by altering their chemical structure.

Notable Poisons and Their Uses

Strychnine: Derived from nux vomica, used as a rodenticide and stimulant.
Nicotine: Active principle in tobacco, also an insecticide.
Morphine: Opium derivative used for pain relief and sedation.
Arsenic: Toxic element used in wood preservation and as an insecticide.
Methyl Alcohol (Methanol): Flammable, poisonous alcohol employed as a solvent and antifreeze.

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Description

Explore the history and transformation of the Philippine Constabulary Laboratory, which became the PNP Crime Laboratory after the abolition of the PC. This quiz examines key dates and purposes associated with the establishment of this vital forensic institution.