Toxicology

We provide a comprehensive review and extensive analytical capability for a wide range of forensic casework in which toxicology expertise is required. Our experts review cases comprising a major toxicological element such as poisonings (deliberate or inadvertent) in murders, manslaughters, suspicious deaths, drug-assisted sexual-assaults (DASA) and factitious administration of substances (formerly known as Münchausen-by-proxy cases). We can also thoroughly review and provide an extensive analytical service for cases of adulterated foodstuffs and drinks.

In other types of forensic cases where the involvement of alcohol, drugs, medicines and poisons is indirect, we can also assess whether or not the analyses carried out were adequate and, if necessary suggest and carry out, additional or confirmatory tests.

For example, budgetary pressures may mean that insufficient analyses have been performed by the Crown to determine the involvement or otherwise of prescription or over-the-counter medicines that may have important influences on behaviour. We can provide analytical services to remedy this and a thorough review of the work and opinions of the Crown toxicology experts can be carried out. In criminal cases any alcohol back-calculations can be checked and if not done we can carry out such calculations and estimate alcohol levels at the time of the incident to assist in the assessment of impairment of behaviour or degree of intoxication.

In general and even if you have any unusual or specialist toxicological enquiries we can advise on the best approach to deal with the case and maximise the information obtainable.

Tel: 0845 371 2486