Lab type
Forensic toxicology
Exhibits, continuity and results that stand up to scrutiny.
Who it is for
Forensic toxicology laboratories working for coroners, medical examiners and police, and testing laboratories running workplace drug and alcohol programmes. It suits smaller laboratories that need an evidential record but cannot fund a bespoke forensic system.
In forensic work, the result is only as good as the record behind it. Every exhibit needs its seal number, every handover needs to be traceable, and every number needs its measurement uncertainty. VipLIMS records those details as you work, so the statement can be assembled from the record rather than rebuilt from notes.
A day with VipLIMS
- A coroner's officer submits a request through the agency portal with their case reference and the circumstances of death. When the exhibits arrive, each is recorded with its exhibit number, seal number and condition. The case is numbered, for example
FT26-00418, and the TAT clock starts. - Every movement of the exhibits, from receipt to storage to analysis, is captured in the audit trail with the person and time.
- Screening results are recorded first. Confirmation results follow with concentrations, units and expanded measurement uncertainty, and are compared with any legal limit or cut-off you have configured.
- The reporting toxicologist writes the interpretation within the limits of the evidence and completes the declaration wording required in your jurisdiction.
- A second toxicologist reviews and the statement is authorised. The PDF is released to the agency in the portal.
- If new information arrives before the inquest, a further statement is issued as a new version and the first remains on record.
What the pack sets up
Ready on day one, editable afterwards
Case types and numbering
| Case type | Example number | Routine target | Urgent target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-mortem toxicology | FT26-00042 | 42 days | 14 days |
| Drug-facilitated crime | DF26-00042 | 28 days | 7 days |
| Drug and alcohol driving | RT26-00042 | 14 days | 3 days |
| Workplace drug testing | WP26-000042 | 3 days | 1 day |
| Hospital toxicology referral | CT26-00042 | 3 days | 8 h |
Example tests
| Test | Unit (UCUM) | Example reference range |
|---|---|---|
| Ethanol (blood) | mg/dL | ≤ 80 mg/100 mL |
| Ethanol (vitreous) | mg/dL | |
| Ethanol (urine) | mg/dL | |
| Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol | ug/L | ≤ 2 µg/L |
| Cocaine | ug/L | ≤ 10 µg/L |
| Benzoylecgonine | ug/L | ≤ 50 µg/L |
| MDMA | ug/L | ≤ 10 µg/L |
| Amphetamine | ug/L | ≤ 250 µg/L |
| Ketamine | ug/L | ≤ 20 µg/L |
| Morphine (free) | ug/L | ≤ 80 µg/L |
Limits and cut-offs in this pack are illustrative examples (for instance UK drug-driving limits for England and Wales) and are not reference ranges. Every laboratory must verify and replace them with the legal limits, cut-offs and validated LOQs that apply in its own jurisdiction and methods before reporting.
Report sections
- Case summary required
- Items received required
- Continuity required
- Analysis required
- Results required
- Interpretation required
- Declaration required
Specimen types
- Femoral blood (post-mortem)
- Cardiac blood (post-mortem)
- Vitreous humour
- Urine (post-mortem)
- Gastric contents
- Liver tissue
- Blood (living subject)
- Urine (living subject)
- Oral fluid
- Hair
Words your team will see
- Reporter
- Toxicologist
- Sender
- Agency
- Work item
- Case
- Subject
- Subject
- Specimen
- Exhibit
- Output
- Statement
Good practice built in
- Exhibit and seal details on every item, with continuity captured in a tamper-evident audit trail.
- Results with units, measurement uncertainty and comparison against configurable limits and cut-offs.
- Turnaround targets per case type, from days for workplace testing to weeks for post-mortem work.
- Versioned statements: nothing that has been released is overwritten.
- Supports workflows that laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, and those working to the Forensic Science Regulator's Code of Practice, need for continuity and records.
- Mandatory two-factor sign-in, encryption at rest and a full export of your data at any time.
Questions labs ask
Is VipLIMS accredited or approved by the Forensic Science Regulator?
No. Accreditation applies to your laboratory, not to software. VipLIMS supports the records your accreditation needs, and you remain responsible for validating it for your use.
Can it connect to our LC-MS/MS or GC-MS systems?
Not yet. There is no instrument interface at present, so results are entered on the case or transcribed from your instrument software.
Are the legal limits in the template correct for us?
The template shows examples, such as drug-driving limits for England and Wales. Replace them with the limits and cut-offs that apply in your jurisdiction and testing scheme.
Does it handle DNA or trace evidence?
No. The template is for toxicology. Other forensic disciplines would need their own case types and reports.
Try the forensic and toxicology pack
Create your laboratory, choose this pack, load the sample cases and see how it fits your work. Free, with no card.