Reinsch test

The Reinsch test is an initial indicator to detect the presence of one or more of the following heavy metals in a biological sample, and is often used by toxicologists where poisoning by such metals is suspected.

• Antimony
• Arsenic
• Bismuth
• Selenium
• Thallium
• Mercury

Process

• Dissolve suspect body fluid or tissue in a hydrochloric acid solution
• Insert a copper strip into the solution.
• The appearance of a silvery coating on the copper may indicate Mercury. A dark coating indicative of the presence of one of the other metals.
• Confirm finding using absorption or emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, or other analytical technique suitable for inorganic analysis.

See also

• Toxicology
• Analytical chemistry

References

• Saferstein R. 2001. Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science. Prentice Hall