This laboratory is one of three Public Analyst’s Laboratories in the Republic of Ireland. The other two are located in Dublin and Cork. The primary role of the laboratories is in the protection of public health and consumer interests by providing an independent analytical and advisory service to the general public and various government agencies (EHS, SFAI, HPRA, Local Authorities, etc.) responsible for offical control of food, medicines, water, etc. Some testing and advisory services are also provided to the general public and other government agencies.

A basic toxicology service is offered to Consultant Pathologists and Physicians, Veterinary Surgeons and members of the public, mainly for alcohol (ethanol) testing. Some other parameters are tested for periodically e.g. Strychnine and Paraquat, as well as solvents such as Acetone, Methanol, Acetaldehyde, Propanol etc.

P.45 The majority of samples submitted for alcohol testing are submitted by Consultant Pathologists in HSE West. Blood and urine “B-samples”, taken under the Road Traffic Act, are also independently analysed for alcohol. The current limits for ethanol in drink driving offences are 67 mg/100 ml in urine and 50 mg/100 ml in blood for experienced drivers, with lower limits for new or learner drivers and drivers of buses, lorries, vehicles with trailers, work vehicles, taxis and other public service vehicles. 14 samples taken under the Road Traffic Act were tested during 2015, of which 10 (i.e. 71 %) were above the legal limit (for experienced drivers) at the time of testing. In 2016, 16 samples taken under the Road Traffic Act were tested, of which 13 (i.e. 81 %) were above the legal limit (for experienced drivers) at the time of testing.