The Toxicology unit accepts evidence only from law enforcement agencies for the investigation or
prosecution of any criminal matter. Toxicology involves the analysis of blood,
tissues and body fluids for the presence of drugs or poisons.
Ante mortem Toxicology (samples collected prior to death)
Laboratory services: The laboratory offers screening and identification of drugs in blood and
urine samples from driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) arrests,
impaired drivers and other criminal cases where the presence of a drug may be probative.
The laboratory also offers consultation and referrals on unusual drugs or poisons as well
as courtroom testimony on analytical results. The laboratory does not offer interpretation
of drug concentrations to determine if a person was under the influence.
Laboratory requests: All toxicology submissions and DUI blood samples with less than 0.08%
blood alcohol concentrations are routinely tested for drugs. All other analysis is coordinated
between this unit, the District Attorney’s office and the submitting law enforcement agency.
Post mortem Toxicology (samples collected after death)
Laboratory services: The laboratory offers detection, identification, quantitation
and interpretation of drugs in post mortem blood and tissue samples to assist
the Coroner in determining cause and mode of death and investigating the circumstances surrounding a death.
The scope of the analysis may be limited in cases where the death was not directly related
to drugs and/or toxic chemicals. In cases where there is no readily apparent cause of death,
the analysis will include testing for a broad range of drugs of abuse, prescription
and over-the-counter medications, and other toxic chemicals.
Laboratory requests: Analyses in postmortem toxicology are coordinated between this unit and the Coroner Division.
