Uni-industry pairing to address UK lack of toxicology testing
6 Oct 2024
Kingston University is joining forces with an East Anglian based testing specialist to open a new facility to address a shortage of toxicology services for the justice system.
Backed by funding from Innovate UK, Kingston and AttoLife (formerly Anglia DNA Services) have launched a two-and-a-half-year project to develop a high quality laboratory based in Norfolk.
It will focus on advanced analysis of post-mortem samples aimed at detecting alcohol, drug and medication levels and play a role in improving testing of novel illicit drugs emerging.
In an attempt to address pressures on the court system, the new laboratory will employ a new multi-drug method to streamline the sampling process and provide faster turnaround times.
AttoLife toxicology laboratory manager Mathew Wade commented: “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.
“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.”
The company’s collaboration with Kingston goes back several years. Associate professor in Forensic Science at the university Dr Brian Rooney who has collaborated with Wade on previous schemes will provide academic leadership for the partnership together with colleague, emeritus professor Declan Naughton. The duo will also supervise graduate recruits to the new facility.
Said Rooney: “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.
“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.”
The 30 month project is supported with £185,000 from Innovate UK and has been established through a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Knowledge Transfer Partnership.
Pic: Ahmad Ardity
