Submission FAQ
Toxicology


I was taking a medication prescribed by my doctor but the drug
on the report is different. Why?

A: Medications and drugs have several names associated with them; common or generic. In some situations we report drug metabolites which are the breakdown products of the original drug that was taken.


Is your court testimony focused on just the identification of
alcohol or drugs?

A: Our forensic toxicologists can testify to both the analytical results and pharmacology of alcohol and drugs. Pharmacology entails how these substances travel through the body and the interpretation of their impairing effects.


What type of cases does Toxicology handle?

A: The majority are DUI and Drug facilitated sexual assault cases. Other types of cases may be non-DUI death investigations, neglect, BUI.


Does your lab test for every drug?

A: No, we have a defined scope of testing that can found.


Can the public submit specimens for testing if drugs and alcohol
are suspected in an individual?

A: No, we test only forensic cases, those having criminal implications.


What influences the time it takes to get results back?

A: The type or number of specimens submitted (blood and/or urine), the number of drugs ingested by an individual, regional transport time, instrument status, and trained staff can be factors.


Does Toxicology test for pills, plant material, and/or the actual
drug?

A: No, those tests would be performed by the Seized Drugs section.




Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.