Drug Concentrations and Distribution

As a rule, the highest concentrations of a poison are found at the site of administration. A large quantity of drug in the GI tract and liver indicates oral ingestion. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract may contain large amounts of unabsorbed toxicant. Cases that involve the oral administration of toxicants indicate analysis of GI contents. However, the presence of toxic material in the GI tract does not provide sufficient evidence that the agent is the cause of death. Absorption and transport of the toxicant to the site of action must be demonstrated. Blood and tissue analysis is necessary and would still be paramount. 

Higher concentrations of drug or toxicant in the lungs compared to other tissues may indicate inhalation, while compounds located in tissue surrounding an injection 

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Drug concentration and distribution are greater in young women than in men. 

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