The Toxicology Department analyses blood, urine and other body fluids to identify and measure medicines, drugs and other substances. Test results are reviewed alongside clinical information to support diagnosis, treatment decisions and the monitoring of long-term conditions such as epilepsy.
The department also analyses post-mortem samples referred by HM Coroners. These tests help determine whether the presence or absence of drugs may have contributed to a person's death.
Our service
The department provides a testing and interpretation service for:
- UHB departments
- HM Coroners
- other NHS organisations
- private healthcare providers
The service operates within the Clinical Laboratory Services quality management system and is led by a consultant clinical service lead and technical service manager. The team includes state-registered clinical scientists and biomedical scientists.
Specialist testing
The laboratory uses high-resolution mass spectrometry and other advanced analytical techniques to detect a wide range of substances, including:
- prescribed medicines
- over-the-counter medicines
- illicit drugs
- novel psychoactive substances
- synthetic cannabinoids, sometimes known as 'spice'
- novel synthetic opioids, including fentanyl analogues and nitazenes
Quantitative testing is also available for a large range of drugs.
Accreditation
The laboratory is accredited to ISO 15189:2022, which allows it to provide testing for clinical purposes. This includes the analysis of samples referred by HM Coroners.
The blood and urine screening service uses liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry, which is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) under a flexible scope. This allows the laboratory to identify new and emerging substances as they become available.
The laboratory is not accredited to provide forensic testing, including:
- drink-driving investigations
- police casework
- workplace drug testing
- child custody testing
Research and development
The department also provides trace metal analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
The team has extensive research expertise and develops bespoke laboratory assays. It also works with partners on research and assay development projects.
Opening times
- Heartlands Hospital
- Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 18:00
Contact us
If you are not the original requester we cannot supply copy reports. Please contact the access team instead.
Please note that laboratory staff are not permitted to discuss specific tests or results with patients; you are advised to contact your GP or consultant.
Toxicology
Clinical enquiries
Urgent advice (09:00 - 17:30)
Research enquiries
Quality assurance and accreditation
The laboratories at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB), Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital are part of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB). The laboratories are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to the ISO 15189:2022 standard.
Accreditation information for Toxicology is available under UKAS accreditation number 8910. You can view the UKAS accreditation schedule.
Some tests do not currently appear on the UKAS Schedule of Accreditation and are therefore outside the scope of accreditation. These tests are validated to the same high standards as accredited tests and are carried out by appropriately trained and competent staff.
For information about individual tests, please visit the test database.
- [LINK TO TEST DATABASE]
For further information about quality assurance and accreditation please contact our Quality Manager.
- Louise Fallon, Quality Manager
- louise.fallon@uhb.nhs.uk
Data protection
Pathology Laboratory Services follows the Trust's data protection policies and procedures. These are in place to help the specialty and its staff meet data protection requirements and follow recognised best practice.
Announcement: Training and Development
For information on careers, training and education in Pathology, please see our Training and Development webpage.
Last reviewed: 19 August 2026