When exhuming a body for toxicology evaluation, what is critical to test for?

The most critical element to test for during a toxicology evaluation, especially when exhuming a body, is the environment surrounding the remains, which includes the soil for contamination. Environmental factors can play a significant role in the decomposition process and can affect the presence of toxins. Testing the soil can reveal whether the body was exposed to any hazardous substances that could contribute to the cause of death or influence the toxicology results. The surrounding soil may contain residues from any agents present in the deceased's environment, which might not be detected solely through examination of body tissues or fluids.

In contrast, while testing blood, organs, or clothing might provide valuable information, these factors are secondary to understanding the environmental impacts on the body and the potential for external contamination. The soil's composition and any toxins it may harbor are essential for a comprehensive toxicology analysis, making it the primary focus during this investigative process.