Services

CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

In addition to the assays detailed within the assay information section of this website, a general poison screen is available when the agent involved is not known. The general poisons screen is capable of identifying several hundred drugs and other poisons. Please contact the laboratory before sending any samples.

OCCUPATIONAL TOXICOLOGY

The laboratory offers several services for the measurement of substances within the workplace. These include the anaesthetic agent Nitrous Oxide which can be measured in biological samples although passive air monitoring is the preferred method to assess potential exposure. Please contact the laboratory for further details.

The Cardiff Toxicology Laboratories have strong links to a Consultant led Occupational Health Service that may be able to assist you by providing support and advise on substantial risk factors that can contribute to ill health at work. The service is able to support your organisation with recruitment and retention of staff and the management of sickness absence. To contact us for further information please view our contact page.

FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY

A comprehensive analytical toxicology service is offered to support the HM Coroner's service. Please contact the laboratory for further details.

DRUGS OF ABUSE TESTING

Most abused drugs can be detected for 1 to 3 days after ingestion and the standard test panel will detect recent use of the following substances:

Differentiation of opioids can be undertaken upon request, and in cases where heroin use is suspected the laboratory will undertake an analysis to determine the presence or absence of 6-Acetylmorphine, which if present will indicate recent use of the drug. Other Opioids identified include tramadol, oxycodone and buprenorphine.The laboratory is able to determine the presence of Dextro and Levo isomers of the drug amphetamine to differentiate street from prescription drug. For circumstances where it is suspected that specimens are being adulterated with methadone, the use of the drug can be confirmed by the measurement of the methadone metabolite, EDDP. The sample can also be tested for dextropropoxyphene, phencyclidine, LSD or ethanol when specifically requested.

THERAPEUTIC DRUG MONITORING

Therapeutic drug monitoring is required whenever a patient is refractory to therapy, is suspected of non-compliance, when toxicity is suspected, or when modifying dosage or concomitant therapy. Sensitive and specific procedures are available for the measurement of such therapeutic substances.

RESEARCH SUPPORT

Comprehensive analytical facilities are available within the laboratory and we would be happy to discuss your analytical needs.

WORKPLACE TESTING

The laboratory offers a pre-employment drug testing service the details of which are dependent upon your requirements. Please contact the laboratory for further information.

OTHER ANALYSES

This website attempts to cover most of what is undertaken within the Cardiff Toxicology Laboratories, but new services are regularly introduced where there is a need so it is always worth contacting us should you have any particular requirements.