Beginning in 1983, the Medical Examiner’s Office added the forensic Toxicology laboratory to meet standards set by the national Association of Medical Examiners. Since that time, the laboratory has expanded services to include the latest in technology and methodology of any forensic toxicology laboratory in the state. The laboratory also participates in ongoing research projects seeking information about drugs that cause death. The Forensic Toxicology laboratory performs more than 9,000 test each years.

{Dr. Susan Howe, Senior Forensic Toxicologist, works with Senior Forensic Toxicologist Joyce Ho Utilizing the latest in the technology arsenal, the Finnigan MAT GCQ, Ion Trap Gas Chromatograph}

Mass Spectrometer

Part of the working tools of a complete Forensic Toxicology Laboratory is the utilization of one or more Mass Spectrometer. This intricate and sophisticated technology enables the forensic toxicologist to perform qualitative and quantitative drug analysis as well as drug confirmation.