The State Laboratory relocated from Abbotstown in County Dublin to Celbridge in County Kildare in May 2005. Its annual report for 2005 was released in October 2006.1 Under its customer charter, the State Laboratory is committed to providing a top-quality analytical and advisory service for its customers in an efficient and effective manner.  Analysis is the core business of the laboratory. 

The Human Toxicology Section of the Laboratory provides analytical support for coroners’ investigations.  This involves analysing post-mortem samples from autopsies to assist in establishing the cause of death.  Information provided can indicate whether the deceased was taking medication at the time of death, if a drug overdose was taken, or if the deceased was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of death.

This Human Toxicology Section also analyses biological samples pertaining to criminal investigations. Samples frequently require a variety of analyses in order to identify different drugs present. Specific analyses are available for illicit drugs, such as cocaine, ecstasy, opiates and cannabinoids.  These drugs can be quantified and confirmed to a level that will satisfy the scrutiny of a court of law. A total of 2,311 samples were analysed during 2005.  Illicit or abused drugs were present in 81% of these samples, of which 55% showed the presence of an opiate.  Cocaine and amphetamine, including ecstasy, were present in 16% of the samples and cannabinoids were present in 13% of the samples.

The State Laboratory website is at www.statelab.ie

1. The State Laboratory (2006) Annual Report 2005. Dublin: Brunswick Press Ltd.