ESR provides New Zealand's only forensic toxicology service.
Toxicology services are mainly used by
- Coroners
- Pathologists
- New Zealand Police
Investigations can confirm the presence of alcohol, drugs, solvents, inhalants and poisons. Biological specimens are analysed to try and identify any drug or poison that may have caused illness or death.
Analysis of alcohol and other drugs in drivers
ESR undertakes the analysis of:
- all evidential blood alcohol blood alcohol samples taken from drivers
- all drug-driving blood samples taken from drivers
News and Research
Alcohol and other drug use in New Zealand drivers 2004-2009 , a major five year research study by ESR
Summary and full report is available at police.govt.nz (opens in new window)
Hair test for drugs
- 'Date rape' drug research