Analyses are typically carried out at the request of the police and judiciary within the department’s geographical catchment area, which covers Funen as well as South and Southern Jutland. The purpose is to identify and quantify the presence of pharmaceuticals, recreational drugs and other relevant substances – whether the sample material consists of biological matrices such as blood and urine, or seized drugs, known as narkoeffekter (drug-related items).
The unit operates according to a core principle: findings from broad screening analyses must be confirmed using a second, independent analytical method to ensure the highest possible reliability.
Most of the analytical methods are based on chromatographic separation techniques combined with mass spectrometry.
The unit operates according to a core principle: findings from broad screening analyses must be confirmed using a second, independent analytical method to ensure the highest possible reliability.
Most of the analytical methods are based on chromatographic separation techniques combined with mass spectrometry.
The Forensic Chemistry Unit conducts blood alcohol concentration (BAC) analyses in autopsy cases, where alcohol determination is often part of a broader analytical programme that includes pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs. In these cases, the alcohol content can be determined in blood samples, urine, or vitreous fluid (from the eye).
Samples are collected in batches and analysed together with control samples of known alcohol content. The analysis is performed using headspace gas chromatography with a flame ionisation detector. During analysis, the sample is heated in a sealed vial, and the amount of alcohol in the air (headspace) above the sample is measured. The alcohol is separated from other substances as it passes through a chromatography column, and then detected.
The detector response is calibrated using a series of solutions with known alcohol concentrations. This allows the measured signal to be converted into a specific concentration, which is reported in per mille (grams per kilogram of blood).
The results are documented in a formal report. The value presented is the so-called minimum value (after subtraction of analytical uncertainty), which forms the basis for police assessment and any potential legal proceedings.
Samples are collected in batches and analysed together with control samples of known alcohol content. The analysis is performed using headspace gas chromatography with a flame ionisation detector. During analysis, the sample is heated in a sealed vial, and the amount of alcohol in the air (headspace) above the sample is measured. The alcohol is separated from other substances as it passes through a chromatography column, and then detected.
The detector response is calibrated using a series of solutions with known alcohol concentrations. This allows the measured signal to be converted into a specific concentration, which is reported in per mille (grams per kilogram of blood).
The results are documented in a formal report. The value presented is the so-called minimum value (after subtraction of analytical uncertainty), which forms the basis for police assessment and any potential legal proceedings.
Analyses for pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse are carried out by extracting the substances from biological materials—primarily blood, urine or muscle tissue—through a purification process. During this extraction, biological components such as proteins and fats are removed.
Screening of the purified sample is performed using liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF).
Liquid chromatography separates the substances in the sample based on their physical and chemical properties, allowing each compound to be individually identified and measured. In the connected mass spectrometer, the separated substances are converted into charged particles (ions) and passed through a field that sorts them by mass. This enables highly specific identification of the sample content.
The identified substances then undergo confirmatory and/or quantitative analysis using a second, independent method and a new sample preparation. For this, the department uses liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
Samples are analysed in batches together with reference standards of known concentration, allowing the presence and concentration of the pharmaceutical or drug to be verified and accurately determined.
The results of a forensic chemical analysis are reported in a forensic toxicology report (retskemisk erklæring). This report typically includes a brief overview of the substance groups analysed, a list of the substances detected, and the concentrations found. The Forensic Chemistry Unit also prepares a toxicological assessment, which interprets these findings in the context of the specific case.
For each substance, the assessment indicates whether the detected concentration falls within a therapeutic, toxic, or lethal range—and often this categorisation is further refined.
In cases where multiple substances are found and where synergistic effects (mutual enhancement) may be relevant, an overall assessment is also provided.
In addition, a short description is given for each substance—for example, whether it is a pharmaceutical drug and what effect it is likely to have had in the specific case.
The toxicological assessment is intended to support those who rely on the forensic toxicology report. These assessments are often crucial in determining the actual cause of death.
The final overall case assessment is made by the forensic pathologist, who reviews all findings—including the toxicological assessment—and compiles the complete case documentation into a final conclusion.
For each substance, the assessment indicates whether the detected concentration falls within a therapeutic, toxic, or lethal range—and often this categorisation is further refined.
In cases where multiple substances are found and where synergistic effects (mutual enhancement) may be relevant, an overall assessment is also provided.
In addition, a short description is given for each substance—for example, whether it is a pharmaceutical drug and what effect it is likely to have had in the specific case.
The toxicological assessment is intended to support those who rely on the forensic toxicology report. These assessments are often crucial in determining the actual cause of death.
The final overall case assessment is made by the forensic pathologist, who reviews all findings—including the toxicological assessment—and compiles the complete case documentation into a final conclusion.
The Forensic Chemistry Unit carries out analyses for the police on seized items suspected of containing illegal, psychoactive substances or doping agents. These may include, for example, powders, tablets, plant material, or objects that may have powder residues or invisible traces of drugs.
A typical examination consists of two parts: a screening analysis and a confirmatory analysis (see the section on Forensic chemical analyses above). The submitted material is homogenised, after which the two analyses are, as far as possible, carried out on two independently collected subsamples. In a quantitative confirmatory analysis, the concentration or amount of the illegal substance is also determined—for example, the purity of an amphetamine powder (in percent) or the amount of ecstasy in a tablet.
The results of the examination are documented in a report, which forms part of the legal case against the suspect(s). The report also includes an assessment of whether each detected substance is covered by the Danish Executive Order on Euphoriant Substances, and specifies which list(s) or substance category the findings fall under.
The forensic chemical analyses also contribute to the Danish Health Authority’s monitoring and reporting on the prevalence of psychoactive substances. Trends in this area are published annually in the Health Authority’s reports:
– The Drug Situation in Denmark
– Street-Level Drugs
– New Psychoactive Substances in Denmark
In addition, the unit maintains close collaboration with the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA).
A typical examination consists of two parts: a screening analysis and a confirmatory analysis (see the section on Forensic chemical analyses above). The submitted material is homogenised, after which the two analyses are, as far as possible, carried out on two independently collected subsamples. In a quantitative confirmatory analysis, the concentration or amount of the illegal substance is also determined—for example, the purity of an amphetamine powder (in percent) or the amount of ecstasy in a tablet.
The results of the examination are documented in a report, which forms part of the legal case against the suspect(s). The report also includes an assessment of whether each detected substance is covered by the Danish Executive Order on Euphoriant Substances, and specifies which list(s) or substance category the findings fall under.
The forensic chemical analyses also contribute to the Danish Health Authority’s monitoring and reporting on the prevalence of psychoactive substances. Trends in this area are published annually in the Health Authority’s reports:
– The Drug Situation in Denmark
– Street-Level Drugs
– New Psychoactive Substances in Denmark
In addition, the unit maintains close collaboration with the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA).
Persons examined at the Department of Forensic Medicine at the request of the police often have blood and urine samples taken for analysis. This may occur in assault cases (for example, rape cases), where both the suspected perpetrator and the victim are tested. The purpose of the analysis is to provide a basis for assessing whether the influence of pharmaceuticals or drugs of abuse may have played a role in the case.