Sub-Directorate: Forensic Chemistry Laboratories

• Forensic Pathology Services : Application Forms

The laboratories are divided into three primary sections

Toxicology section

Objective: To provide analytical support to forensic pathologists and other clients in cases involving toxic substances:

Functions:

• Analysis of human organs, body fluids and exhibits in order to assist in establishing the cause of death.
• Testing procedures include those for Drugs, Pesticides, Metals, Carbon Monoxide, Cyanide, Volatiles (Petrol etc) and Anions/Cations.
• Analysis of body fluids of patients in order to assist in diagnosis.
• Analysis of tablets and other exhibits.
• Supply statistical information to the Department of Health in respect to toxicology results.
• Attend court cases, when subpoenaed, to give scientific evidence in support of results obtained.
• Relevant legislations include the Road Traffic Act, Act 29 of 1989, the Inquest Act, Act 58 of 1959, and the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, Act 140 of 1992.

Blood alcohol section:

Objective: To provide scientific evidence in support of drunken driving prosecutions as well as to assist in establishing cause of death.

Functions:

• Analysis of blood and eye-fluid samples (in certain cases on request urine samples, alcoholic beverages and cosmetics) for alcohol content (drunken driving and post-mortem).
• Supply statistical information to the Department of Health in respect to blood alcohol results.
• Attend court cases, when subpoenaed, to give scientific evidence in support of results obtained.
• Relevant legislations include the Road Traffic Act, Act 29 of 1989, the Inquest Act, Act 58 of 1959, and the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, Act 140 of 1992.0

Food Section

• Objective: The analysis of food samples to control compliance with legislation (Foodstuff, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, Act 54 of 1972).

Functions:

• Analysis of food samples to control compliance with the Foodstuff, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act.
• Participation in annual food sampling runs to assess specific problem areas.
• Participation in food analysis proficiency scheme.
• Education of Environmental Health Officers in aspects of the Foodstuff Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act.
• Participation in food control meetings by providing statistics of food analysis, assisting in identifying problem products and commenting on food legislation.
• Assistance to public and food companies with enquiries on food related legislation.
• Analysis of food samples for pesticides and other agricultural chemical residues, to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Forensic Pathology Services : Application Forms

• Application for an Authorisation to keep, Use or Handle Cultures or Preparations of Micro-Organisms (PDF)
• Application for an Import Permit for Cultures and Micro-Organisms (PDF)
• Application for an Import Permit for Biological Substances (PDF)
• Application for an Import Permit for Human Tissues (PDF)
• Application for an Export Permit for Cultures and Micro-Organisms (PDF)
• Application for an Export Permit for Biological Substances (PDF)
• Application for an Export Permit For Human Tissues (PDF)

Relevant documents

These laboratories perform routine analysis of biological and food samples for scientific support for the administration of various Acts such as:

• Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, Act 54/1972.
• Road Traffic Act, Act. 29/1989
• Inquests Act, Act 58/1959
• Hazardous Substances Act, Act 15/1973
• Drugs and Drugs Trafficking Act, Act 140?1992
• Medicines Control Act and other relevant laws

Contact Details for Forensic Chemistry Laboratories

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