Forensic Toxicology

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Our mission is to perform analyses of alcohol, drugs, medications, and poisons in biological materials such as blood, urine, and hair. We are the only forensic chemistry laboratory in Sweden, performing around 800,000 analyses each year.

Additionally, we support Sweden’s six forensic medicine divisions (which are all part of the Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine) by conducting various analyses in relation to forensic autopsies.

 
In cases of suspected crimes, we analyze and quantify concentrations of alcohol, drugs, medications, and doping substances. When the police obtain a blood sample from a motorist suspected of drunk driving, our forensic chemistry lab conducts the analysis. This also applies to suspicions of drug offenses and doping violations. Our experts assist police and courts in interpreting analysis results, particularly in cases involving delayed alcohol consumption related to traffic offenses.

In cases involving the Swedish Prison and Probation Service, healthcare, social services, and treatment centers, our goal is to determine whether a sample provider is drug-free. Additionally, we support healthcare providers by analyzing specific medications.

For investigations into the causes of death, samples collected from forensic medicine units across the country are sent to our laboratory. Here, we conduct analyses on blood, tissue, urine, and hair, detecting and evaluating hundreds of substances at the molecular level.

Quality Assured Methods

Our forensic chemistry laboratory handles nearly 100,000 cases and performs about 800,000 analyses annually. All analyses are conducted using rigorously quality-assured methods and undergo multiple independent review steps. Since 1996, our laboratory has been accredited by Swedac (Sweden’s national accreditation body) to the international standard ISO/IEC 17025, ensuring high-quality results. Quality assurance is integral to our daily operations, covering the majority of substances analyzed. The response report specifies which reported substances fall under our accreditation. For inquiries regarding our accreditation scope prior to analysis, please contact the laboratory directly.