Toxicological services

The laboratory's main public service lies in the domain of analytical chemistry.

This includes extensive expertise in the analysis of ethanol (alcohol), drugs, and substances of abuse in biological matrices such as blood and urine. 

The laboratory is officially recognized by the Department of Justice for ethanol determination according to the Royal Decree of April 27, 2007. This service is BELAC-accredited (ISO 17025) under certificate TEST-488  since February 18, 2016. Details can be found in our accreditation scope.

This expertise is routinely applied in:

• Forensic analysis:
  primarily involving the detection of illicit drugs, pharmaceuticals, and other potentially toxic compounds in urine, blood, and other sample types. This work is mainly performed on behalf of the Ministry of Justice. 

• Screening for illegal substances
  
  

Additional toxicological services 

In addition to our core activities in forensic and screening analyses, the laboratory also offers specialized testing services: 

• PEth determination:
  Phos Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is a direct biomarker for alcohol use. This test provides a reliable overview of recent alcohol intake and can confirm complete abstinence over a period of roughly one month.   
• Hair sample analysis:
  Hair testing provides insight into drug and alcohol use over extended periods — ranging from several weeks to months.
  This type of analysis is typically conducted in legal contexts. 

To schedule an appointment for PEth determination and/or hair analysis, please use the following link: Schedule Appointment PEth/Hair. 

For more detailed information about PEth and hair testing, visit www.PEth.be. 

Customized analyses are also possible. If you want additional information on a particular toxicological question or a price offer you can contact prof. Dr. Christophe Stove.