Families and authorities are left with questions if a sudden, unexplained, or suspicious death has occurred. Postmortem toxicology makes hidden causes of death visible by detecting drugs, poisons, and chemicals in the body after death. Our licensed laboratory at The Carlson Company conducts extensive and precise testing to help families, lawyers, and medical examiners find the truth.
What Does a Postmortem Toxicology Test Show?
Postmortem toxicology tests blood, tissue, or fluid for the detection of drugs, alcohol, poisons, or toxins. They establish whether or not substances contributed to or caused death, such as drug overdose, poisoning, or toxic exposure.
For example, toxicology can reveal such substances as opioids, sedatives, antifreeze, heavy metals, or other poisons often not considered in standard autopsy examination.
Learn more about our Poison and Toxin Testing Services for comprehensive screening solutions.
How Long Does Postmortem Toxicology Take?
Many families and attorneys ask how long postmortem toxicology testing takes. We typically have results returned within 15-17 business days at The Carlson Company, but turnaround time is variable based on case complexity and specific tests required. We also have express testing for accelerated legal or investigative needs.
Can Toxins Be Detected After Death?
Yes, toxins are usually discovered days, weeks, or even months after death, depending on the substance and sample integrity. Our specialists utilize state-of-the-art techniques such as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to ensure correct detection even of decomposed samples.
Read more about our advanced toxicology testing technologies here.
What Toxicology Can Tell an Autopsy
Toxicology examination can give great information to an autopsy by discovering:
- Prescription or illicit drugs
- Alcohol levels
- Toxic chemicals (e.g., antifreeze, cyanide)
- Heavy metals such as lead or arsenic
- Unknown-origin substances that result in poisoning
This information assists with ascertaining the true cause and manner of death as accidental, natural, suicidal, or homicidal.
How Reliable is Postmortem Toxicology?
Postmortem toxicology is very reliable if done in accredited labs using proper chain-of-custody protocols. At The Carlson Company, we maintain strict standards in order to deliver legally defendable, court-acceptable results.
Our Postmortem Toxicology Consulting Services provide expert interpretation to assist attorneys, coroners, medical examiners, and families in understanding complex toxicology reports.
Limitations of Postmortem Toxicology Testing
Despite being highly effective, limitations include:
- Postmortem redistribution altering drug levels
- Results with sample decomposition as an influence
- Not enough sample availability in cremated remains
However, our laboratory’s ability to test cremated remains for toxins provides closure to families even following cremation.
Read: Is It Possible To Detect Poison In Cremains?
Why Choose The Carlson Company for Postmortem Toxicology?
✅ Accredited toxicology lab
✅ Court and consulting professional services
✅ Advanced test techniques including GC-MS and LC-MS/MS
✅ Global shipping of samples available
✅ Compassionate and confidential service
We honor the sensitivity of these cases and pledge to work with you to uncover the truth with integrity and discretion.
How to Submit a Sample
It’s convenient to send in a sample with The Carlson Company. Order your chain-of-custody sample collection kit by calling us, then simply follow the instructions and mail it to our accredited lab. Our experienced staff is available to guide you through each step so the process is clear and stress-free.
Conclusion
Sudden, unexplained death leaves families with unfinished business.
Postmortem toxicology testing provides the answers to bring closure and justice.
For trusted, accredited postmortem toxicology testing, contact The Carlson Company today. Our professionals are ready to help you learn the truth.
