Kingston University has joined forces with a specialist laboratory service to establish a high-specification toxicology testing facility to support the work of coroners and pathologists across England and Wales.

The University will work with AttoLife (formerly Anglia DNA Services) to help address a national shortage of high-quality laboratory facilities that can deliver toxicology services for the justice system. The 30-month project has been established through a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Knowledge Transfer Partnership and is being supported by around £185,000 in funding from Innovate UK.

The new facility, which will be based in Norfolk, will have the ability to carry out advanced analysis of a range of post-mortem samples to better detect levels of alcohol, illicit drug and medication use. The sophisticated testing technology in use will also enable improved coverage of novel substances that continue to emerge in the dynamic drug use market.

The centre will provide faster turn-around times compared to those currently on offer from other service providers by using a novel multi-drug method to streamline the number of processes usually required to adequately test post-mortem samples.

The project will see Associate Professor in Forensic Science Dr Brian Rooney and Emeritus Professor Declan Naughton from Kingston University work with the well-established experts at AttoLife.

The academics will also share their expertise in analytical method development and validation, with their research knowledge enabling the company to rapidly introduce new forms of analysis without distracting from day-to-day commercial activities. They will also help train new staff and update processes and procedures to match latest state-of-the-art analytical developments.

Dr Rooney and Professor Naughton will also oversee the contribution of graduates recruited to assist with development of the facility.

The project would help address an urgent need for high-quality forensic toxicology services in the UK, Dr Rooney said. “There is a severe shortage of testing laboratories that can provide the types of services our country needs when it comes to evaluating complex cases such as suspicious deaths,” he said. “This novel toxicology screening service will improve on the current market offer. Through new knowledge and technologies, capability will be boosted, bringing long-term benefits for AttoLife and having a positive impact on the regional economy.”

AttoLife Toxicology Laboratory Manager Mathew Wade has worked with Dr Rooney on several schemes since 2020 and said taking on a project of this size was the next natural step. “Through sharing our toxicological knowledge and benefiting from Kingston University’s specialist expertise, we have been able to facilitate the growth and accreditation of our laboratories,” Mr Wade said. “With this latest project, we aim to build and offer an entirely new coronial toxicology service from our main laboratories in Norfolk. I foresee this development further strengthening our relationship with Kingston University and opening up additional opportunities for collaboration.”