Founded in June 2013, the Department of Toxicology at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital offers a comprehensive analytical and interpretive service for the investigation of acute poisoning and health monitoring. This work is performed for both clinical and post mortem purposes. This service utilises a range of chromatographic techniques, with and without mass spectrometry. This includes HPLC-DAD, GC-MS, LC-MS/MS and LC-QTof MS.

We also offer trace metal analysis by Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for a broad range of analytes in a variety of matrices.

The range of analysis offered by the Toxicology Laboratory may be found by clicking here or using the above search toolbar.

We have extensive research experience and have developed a number of bespoke assays for various analytes and offer collaborative research assay development.

For more information please contact the duty toxicologist on 41392 or alternatively:

Dr Alex Lawson, Consultant Clinical Scientist and Toxicologist
Telephone: 0121 424 0870
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Joanne Duffy, Principal Clinical Scientist
Telephone: 0121 424 1392
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Jessica Winfield, Senior Clinical Biochemist
Telephone: 0121 424 1392
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Nicola Seaward, Senior Clinical Scientist
Telephone: 0121 424 1392
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Dr Laura Lewis, Senior Clinical Scientist
Telephone: 0121 424 1392
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The toxicology laboratory is open from 9.00 a.m until 5.00 p.m Monday to Friday. It is closed during weekends and bank holidays. Out of hours clinical toxicological advice is available from toxbase (http://www.toxbase.org/ Tel: 0844 892 0111). The duty biochemistry consultant may also be contacted out of hours regarding urgent laboratory queries (e.g. in cases of urgent ethylene glycol measurement being required).

Samples for toxicological analysis are retained for a period of 1 month for clinical samples or 3 months for post mortem samples. If any additional analysis are required on these samples, please contact the laboratory using the contact details above.

If you wish to send samples for analysis please use the following address:

FAO Dr Alex Lawson
Department of Toxicology
Birmingham Heartlands Hospital
Bordesley Green East
B9 5SS