Postmortem Toxicology
Postmortem toxicology supports the medical examiner and coroner communities in medicolegal death investigations by helping to identify drugs or other toxic substances where drugs may be relevant to the death investigation.
Postmortem toxicology demands high-quality testing performed by skilled laboratory analysts. ChemaTox’s testing procedures satisfy the most rigorous requirements of laboratory analysis, thus meeting the high standards required to qualify as evidence in courts of law. ChemaTox also strives to remain up-to-date on the latest research and trends within the field, and this information is reflected in the comprehensive testing we provide.
In addition to quality testing services, ChemaTox employs a staff of qualified expert toxicologists specifically trained in the effects of drugs and other toxic substances on the human body. ChemaTox offers consultation for all postmortem toxicology needs, from general procedural questions to case-specific inquiries. ChemaTox also offers expert case review and expert testimony from ABFT board-certified staff capable of interpreting the most challenging of cases.
Testing Services
ChemaTox is licensed as a Blood Alcohol, Blood Drug, Urine Drug, and Postmortem laboratory by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The laboratory is registered with the Drug Enforcement Agency for possession of all scheduled controlled substances for examination, gravimetric analysis and comparative testing purposes.
Test Performed | Matrix |
| Alcohol Testing | Blood, Urine, Vitreous |
| Toxic Vapors | Blood, Urine |
| Drugs of Abuse Panel - Limited (Benzodiazepines, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Opiates, Zolpidem) |
Blood, Urine |
| Drugs of Abuse Panel - Standard (Benzodiazepines, Cannabinoids, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Opiates, Oxycodone, Zolpidem) |
Blood, Urine |
| Drugs of Abuse Panel - Expanded (Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Cannabinoids, Carisoprodol, Cocaine, Ketamine, Methamphetamine, Opiates, Oxycodone, Tramadol, Zolpidem) |
Blood, Urine |
| Comprehensive Screening Panel (Drugs of Abuse Panel – Expanded, GC/MS Comprehensive Screen, Salicylates, Acetaminophen) |
Blood, Urine |
| Other Drug Screens | Blood, Urine |
| Drug Confirmations | Blood, Urine, Vitreous |
| Additional Testing – Special Request | Other Sample Types |
A comprehensive list of our testing services can be downloaded here.
ChemaTox developed our panels to include the most prevalent substances detected in postmortem cases over the past several years. These panels are reviewed on a periodic basis to ensure we provide you with the most relevant and updated testing possible. If you have a specific need, custom screening panels are available for agencies upon request.
We are here to help you. Please call us with any questions you may have. We are available for consultation at every stage of the process, from initial collection to choosing tests and interpreting results.
For more information on what services we provide and how our experts can help you, check out the following links: