Skip to content Skip to footer
Washington State Patrol
Washington State Patrol

2021 Annual Report: Toxicology Laboratory Division

Home2021 Annual Report: Toxicology Laboratory Division
Close
A scientist prepares the instrument for analysis.
A scientist prepares the instrument for analysis.
A scientist places samples for analysis on the instrument.
A scientist places samples for analysis on the instrument.

Overview

The Toxicology Laboratory Division (TLD) staff includes forensic scientists, property and evidence custodians, and professional office staff who provide the only accredited evidential toxicology services in the state.  Law enforcement, medical examiners, coroners, and prosecuting attorneys rely upon the technical expertise of the TLD staff to fully investigate suspicious deaths, natural and accidental deaths, homicides, suicides, traffic fatalities, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs cases, suspected drug-facilitated assaults and any other forensic cases where alcohol and/or drugs may be involved.

Key Measurements and Statistics

Successes of 2021

In 2021, the TLD received a total of 15,954 cases.

The caseload did not change significantly from 2020.

The Laboratory’s scope of testing was updated in 2021 for DUI/DRE case types, allowing for a case driven approach that streamlines the testing process.

TLD expanded its testing capabilities to include screening and confirmation testing for emerging designer benzodiazepines and screening for fentanyl at lower concentrations.

TLD scientific staff provided expert witness testimony in over 70 cases statewide.  There continues to be a significant reduction due to impacts on court operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

TLD responded to over 1,200 complex public disclosure requests.

The TLD successfully completed a full on-site accreditation assessment and maintained accreditation from the:

  • American Board of Forensic Toxicologists in the area of alcohol and drug testing in biological fluids
    • ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) in the area of alcohol and drug Testing (ISO 17025)

The TLD completed the planning stages for a secondary facility to be located in Federal Way.  New instrumentation was procured to support efficient workflow at the current Seattle Laboratory and for use at the secondary location.

Additional Information and Resources:

For more information on how the Toxicology Laboratory Division manages its case load, please click here.
Contact us

Mailing Address
Washington State Patrol
PO Box 42600
Olympia, WA 98504

Physical Address
Washington State Patrol
Helen Sommers Building
106 11th Avenue SW
Olympia, WA 98501

Additional info

Privacy Policy
Link Policy
Rules Development
Tort Claims
Vendor & Budget Info
Title VI
Contact Us
Employee Log-In

Wsp accessibility

The Washington State Patrol is firmly committed to providing an environment that provides the public fair and equal treatment and equal access to its benefits, programs and services as required by state and federal laws. If you require reasonable accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act, or would like to file a grievance please click on the following link:  WSP Public Accessibility and Grievance Process

Follow us

© 2025 Washington State Patrol.