Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry detection of benzalkonium chloride (BZK) in a forensic autopsy case with survival for 18 days post BZK ingestion

Benzalkonium chloride (BZK) is a cationic surfactant that is widely used in disinfectants and sanitizers in hospitals, private residences, and public places [1 –2]. There have been many cases reported of accidental or intentional poisoning with BZK in the field of clinical and forensic medicine [3–9]. However, few reports have detailed blood BZK levels in human poisoning cases, and those that have, used high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) wit h a UV detector [8,10] or gas chromatography (GC) with a flame ionization detector [5,11].
Source: Legal Medicine - Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Source Type: research