What are the primary sources of evidence submitted for toxicological analysis?

The primary sources of evidence submitted for toxicological analysis are urine, blood, hair, saliva, and sweat. These biological materials are crucial in toxicology because they provide essential information about the presence and concentration of substances within an individual's body.

Urine and blood are the most commonly analyzed fluids because they can indicate recent substance use and enable the detection of various drugs and toxins. Blood can reveal both the current levels of substances and their effects on the body's systems. Hair can provide a longer-term perspective on drug use or exposure, as substances can be incorporated into the hair shaft over time. Saliva and sweat can also be utilized for analysis, providing non-invasive options to detect recent drug use.

The other types of evidence, such as fibers, fingerprints, gunshot residue, and bitemarks, do not typically relate to toxicological analysis. While they may be important in other aspects of crime scene investigation, they do not serve the primary function of detecting or quantifying substances within biological systems that toxicology specifically focuses on.