When are toxicology samples typically collected in the context of death investigations?

Toxicology samples are typically collected during autopsy or inspection processes because this is when the medical examiner or coroner can accurately assess the condition of the deceased and obtain biological specimens in a legally and scientifically valid manner. Collecting samples at this time allows for a comprehensive analysis of substances that may have contributed to the cause of death, such as drugs, alcohol, or poisons that may not have been present or detectable in a living individual.

Collecting toxicology samples from living patients relates primarily to clinical scenarios where tracking substance use is necessary for treatment, which does not pertain to death investigations. Family authorization is not a prerequisite for obtaining toxicology samples in the context of an autopsy, as this process is governed by laws and regulations regarding death investigations. Lastly, collecting samples before any other examinations could compromise the integrity of the autopsy process and the accuracy of the findings, as the body must be inspected and documented carefully prior to the collection of any biological materials.