Sample Collection

Depending on the context and the type of sample, specific collection conditions should be followed. Samples taken for a forensic toxicological analysis (driving license re-granting, child custody, workplace drug testing etc) should be collected according to general forensic guidelines. First the person tested (donor) has to be identified unequivocally with an identity card or passport. Request forms, collection tubes or hair envelopes should be clearly labelled. Collector and donor should sign the request form and confirm the correctness of sample collection and the requested analysis. After collection the sample has to be savely stored. For a forensic toxicological test this chain of custody starting from the sample collection until the report of the result has to be exactly documented.

For a test of alcohol, of the alcohol marker ethylglucuronide, of CDT or the liver enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT) the blood sample should be taken by medical staff. Blood or serum is also the most adequate specimen for monitoring medical drugs more »

To prevent commutation or adulteration collection of a forensic urine sample should occur under supervision. more »

A collection of a hair sample for an analysis of drugs of abuse, medical drugs or the alcohol marker ethylglucuronide is not a medical intervention. However, it should be performed by qualified trained persons according to recognized guidelines. more »

For the collection of oral fluid we recommend the use of the saliva sampler Quantisal^® of the company Immunalysis. Other collection systems are also adequate. more »

The collection of capillary blood is a standardized procedure in which a micro sampling device allows for a quick and hygienic sample collection. more »

Further information on relevant topics

Sample Collection – Urine

To prevent adulteration, collection of a forensic urine sample should occur under supervision. We recommend the collection in a urine cup from which a few mL are transferred into a urine Monovette®

Sample Collection – Hair

The collection of a hair sample for an analysis of drugs of abuse, medical drugs or the alcohol marker ethylglucuronide is not a medical intervention. Hence it must not be carried out by medical staff. However, it should be performed by qualified trained persons according to recognized guidelines to avoid pre-analytical errors.

Sample Collection – Saliva

The collection of a saliva sample for an analysis of drugs of abuse or medical drugs is not a medical intervention. Hence it must not be carried out by medical staff. However, it should be performed by qualified trained persons according to recognized guidelines to avoid pre-analytical errors.

Sample Collection - Serum

For a test of alcohol, of the alcohol marker ethylglucuronide, of CDT or the liver values (AST, ALT, GGT) the blood sample should be taken by medical staff.

Sample Collection - Dried Blood Samples

Chromatographic drug analyses (LC-MS/MS) in capillary blood and DBS (dried blood samples) respectively are of increasing importance. Using dried blood samples can be unequivocally assigned to patients and the number of detectable substances is generally larger than in urine.

Sample Collection - Meconium

Please send meconium samples immediately after collection to the lab. Drugs are stable in frozen samples (-15 °C) for up to nine months.

Sample Collection - Storage

If transport to our laboratory is delayed, depending on sample material, certain aspects have to be noted.

Sample Collection - Transport

Besides postage a shipment of samples by courier is possible within most parts of Germany.