What is Toxicology

Toxicology is the analysis of drugs and poisons in biological tissues.

The toxicology laboratory can test for a wide range of drugs and poisons. Analyses undertaken include full drug and poison investigation of all coronial cases in the state of Victoria.   In addition analyses are conducted on specimens from drivers suspected of being under the influence of drugs and in individuals suspected of drug-facilitated rape for Victoria Police.  The laboratory also provides a range of drug testing services for research and private analytical work, as well as expert opinions relating to toxicology when requested.

The service is run by a team of toxicologists and support staff.  All methods have been validated to meet the service analytical requirements.  All results are recorded on an in-house computerised database from which reports are generated.

Classes of drugs and poisons included in drug testing are:

	Anti-convulsants		carbamazepine, phenytoin, lamotrigine, valproate, phenobarbital, ethosuximide
	Anti-histamines		doxylamine, pheniramine, chlorpheniramine, brompheniramine, promethazine
	Anti-psychotics		clozapine, thioridazine, chlorpromazine, olanzapine, nefazodone
	Benzodiazepines		alprazolam, diazepam, nordiazepam, temazepam, oxazepam, nitrazepam, 7-amino-nitrazepam, flunitrazepam, 7-amino-flunitrazepam, clonazepam, 7-amino-clonazepam
	Opioids		morphine (free and total), codeine, methadone, pethidine, propoxyphene, oxycodone