Contraband and Unknown Substance Identification Services

As a leader in forensic toxicology, we are committed to providing innovative solutions and exceptional support to agencies and attorney’s seeking to identify drug contraband or drug compounds from various pills, powders, liquids, organic materials, or paraphernalia.

Features and Benefits

Our laboratory testing methods provide powerful, effective tools in identifying drug compounds and contraband. Along with compliant forensic analysis and legally defensible test results, Ascertain Forensics also offers complete expert witness services and access to highly qualified toxicologists.

Highly accurate detection of various pills, powders, liquids, organic
materials, or paraphernalia
Trusted laboratory with a 20 year reputation of strength, integrity, and reliability
Fully validated analytical methods using state-of-the-art technology
Complete expert witness services and access to highly qualified toxicologists certified by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
Comprehensive, electronic, and easy to read results
ABFT accredited laboratory
California Title 17 Forensic Alcohol Laboratory
Average turnaround time for results is 20 business days

Test Panel Options

Ascertain Forensics at Redwood Toxicology Laboratory offers the following compound and contraband toxicology services.

Compound/Contraband Toxicology: various/pills/powders/liquids/
organic materials/paraphenalia
Forensic analysis of unknown compounds

Designer Stimulants: various/pills/powders/liquids
Forensic analysis of compounds to detect the presense of cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and designer stimulants

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of objects can be tested?
Our laboratory tests for the following types of contraband samples or unknown substances:

Pills
Powders
Syringes
Pipes and paraphenalia
Organic-type materials such as leaves and herbs
Liquids

What types of contraband testing do you not provide?
Currently, we do not providing testing services for edibles, purity, or weights (large quantities of sample).

What types of panels do you offer?
We can test for a single, suspected drug/metabolite, our standard contraband/unknown panel, and panels specifically for expanded opioids and expanded synthetic cannabinoids.

How quickly will I get my results?
Results will be provided within 20 business days of receipt at our laboratory.

What reporting options are available?
Reporting options include mail or fax. Due to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance, we are unable to email results.

What type of testing methods do you use for your contraband panels?
We offer flexible testing options to include preliminary screen tests and confirmations. Test methods include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Is this a field kit or instant test?
No. This is a laboratory test.

What type of information is included on my final report?
The final report includes a summary of all drugs/metabolites that were tested and indicates a positive or negative result per drug.

I don't understand my results. Do I have access to toxicology experts for clarification?
Yes. Our support team is available for consultation from 6:00AM - 4:00PM PST. Please contact 866.584.0887 to access our toxicology team.

Do you provide expert witness services and litigation packages?
Yes. We provide these services upon request and for an additional fee. Please contact 866.584.0887 (option #2) to request this service.

Do you provide the necessary supplies for me to package and ship my sample to your lab?
Yes, we provide all packaging supplies and pre-paid shipping labels. You may also use your own packaging supplies, evidence bags, and shipping provider to send specimens to our laboratory. If you use your own supplies, we will provide you with a work order that must be included with the sample when shipping to our laboratory. The work order provides the lab with key account information and preferred test option.

I'd like to use your lab for contraband. Can I use my existing Redwood Toxicology Laboratory account?
To utilize our contraband testing services, it is required that you set up a separate account with our forensic laboratory. To set up your account, please contact us at 866.584.0887 or through our contact form.

How do I set up a new account?
Account set up is fast and easy, just use our contact form or contact us directly at 866.584.0887 for more information.

Restrictions and Limitations

1. Following security requirements established by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), return shipment of contraband material is not permitted after it has been analyzed by the laboratory. 

2. Contraband analysis and result reporting does not include purity or weights/measures.

866.584.0887

Forensic testing demands fast and accurate analysis. Find out how we can help you improve efficiencies with accurate detection services.

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Identify contraband and unkown substances from pills,  powders, liquids, organic materials, or paraphernalia.