Other Agencies and Organizations, Departmental

OTHER AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Notice of Destruction of Autopsy Specimens

BROWARD COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER AND TRAUMA SERVICES

The Toxicology Laboratory of the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office announces the destruction of laboratory specimens collected prior to 2006 from autopsies as part of death investigation cases and specimens obtained prior to 2003 from law enforcement agencies as part of driving under the influence (DUI) cases and drug facilitated sexual assault cases.

The destruction of these specimens shall begin on or about August 29, 2008.

If you require any specimens be retained for retesting or possible evidentiary purposes, please send a written request for preservation citing:

1.     Name of the individual or agency responsible for initiating the request;

2.     Date the request is initiated;

3.     Name of the decedent, defendant or victim;

4.     Approximate date of specimen collection;

5.     Medical examiner laboratory case number (if known);

6.     Reason for extending the retention period; and,

7.     Terms of the specimen preservation, including the length of additional time the requested specimen is to be held.

All written requests must be received by August 15, 2008. If necessary, hearings will be arranged to explore these matters. Send written requests to:

        Toxicology Laboratory

        District 17 Medical Examiner and Trauma Services

        5301 S. W. 31st Avenue

        Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312

        Or fax written requests to: [phone]

If you have any questions, please call Toxicology at [phone].