Public Health Response Strengthened with Rapid Forensic Toxicology
A new forensic toxicology testing analyser has been introduced by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) in a bid to combat the illicit drug contamination and toxicity crisis.
Across Canada and globally, contaminated and increasingly complex illicit drug supplies have placed unprecedented strain on forensic and public health systems. In the Northwest Territories, where communities are geographically dispersed, and access to specialised laboratory services can be limited, rapid forensic toxicology insights are critical.
Until recently, post-mortem samples were routinely sent out of the territory, resulting in turnaround times that could extend beyond 45 days.
Rapid Answers When Time Matters Most
With the installation of the Health Canada-approved Evidence MultiSTAT, GNWT Coroner Services can now obtain preliminary toxicology results in as little as 20–30 minutes. This on-site capability eliminates reliance on third-party laboratories, reduces delays that previously hindered investigations, and provides actionable information for public health notifications on dangerous substances circulating in communities.
This fully automated analyser allows coroners to simultaneously screen for up to 29 classical, prescription, and synthetic drugs from a single sample, including blood and urine.
Enabling Faster Public Health Warnings
One of the most significant advantages of the MultiSTAT is its ability to support real‑time public health decision‑making. When contaminated or illicit substances are detected in a suspected drug‑related death, officials can act quickly to protect the public through faster community warnings, before further harm can occur.
GNWT officials have noted that the territory is one of the first in Canada to adopt this technology as standard practice for coroners, underscoring its commitment to innovation and early intervention in the ongoing drug crisis.
Building a Data‑Driven Response
Beyond individual cases, the MultiSTAT analyser supports broader trend monitoring and data sharing across public health, emergency services, and law enforcement. By significantly reducing toxicology turnaround times, the GNWT gains improved visibility into evolving drug patterns, allowing resources to be deployed more effectively and communities to be better protected.
As jurisdictions worldwide seek more effective ways to confront substance‑related harm, the Northwest Territories’ adoption of Randox technology demonstrates how rapid, on‑site toxicology testing can play a crucial role in saving lives.
To find out more about the Evidence MultiSTAT, visit our website, or contact us at info@randoxtoxicology.com.