The Toxicology Laboratory of the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office announces the destruction of toxicology specimens collected prior to 2007 from autopsies as part of death investigation cases and specimens obtained prior to 2004 from law enforcement agencies as part of driving under the influence (DUI) cases and drug facilitated sexual assault cases.

The destruction of these specimens shall begin on or about June 8, 2009.

If you require any specimens be retained for retesting or possible evidentiary purposes, please send a written request for preservation citing:

1.             Name of the individual or agency responsible for initiating the request;

2.             Date the request is initiated;

3.             Name of the decedent, defendant or victim;

4.             Approximate date of specimen collection;

5.             Medical examiner laboratory case number (if known);

6.             Reason for extending the retention period; and,

7.             Terms of the specimen preservation, including the length of additional time the requested specimen is to be held.

All written requests must be received by June 1, 2009. If necessary, hearings will be arranged to explore these matters.  Send written requests to:

                Toxicology Laboratory

                District 17 Medical Examiner and Trauma Services

                5301 S.W. 31st Avenue

                Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312

Or Fax written requests to: (954)327-6582.

If you have any questions, please call Toxicology at (954)327-6525.