NHLS Intensifies Push to Halve Toxicology Backlog by 2025/26
The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) is implementing a targeted strategic initiative aimed at achieving a 50% reduction in toxicology case backlog by the conclusion of the 2025/2026 financial year. This initiative, underpinned by new investments in infrastructure, technology, and human resources, seeks to significantly enhance turnaround times for toxicological results across all NHLS Forensic Chemistry Laboratories (FCLs).
The NHLS recognises the recent media coverage and public apprehensions regarding delays in toxicology services. These concerns are legitimate, and the organisation is committed to working diligently to stabilise and expedite service delivery within the criminal justice and forensic pathology domains. However, the NHLS toxicology backlog is 40,051, with most cases predating the NHLS integration of the FCLs.
To advance this backlog recovery plan, NHLS has procured new high-output analytical instruments for its laboratories in Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. These instruments are exclusively designated for backlog samples, ensuring that they do not disrupt the processing of new incoming cases. Furthermore, NHLS has hired extra technical professionals on fixed-term contracts, whose primary responsibility will be to clear the backlog, leaving permanent employees to focus on routine casework. The FCLs have also used the backlog strategy to address the backlog.
In Johannesburg, additional laboratory space has been acquired to establish a dedicated backlog processing unit. New submissions will be processed in an expanded area, facilitating a critical separation of functions and creating two parallel workflows that promote faster and uninterrupted processing. A similar model has been implemented in the Pretoria FCL. The NHLS is also in the process of expanding its toxicology services in the KwaZulu-Natal province. This will address the sample capacity in Pretoria and Cape Town FCLs.
To increase capacity, the NHLS has launched a full technical assessment of all analytical equipment, ensuring that any faulty or out-of-date instruments are serviced or replaced immediately. In addition, a structured shift system is now in place, accompanied by approved overtime hours, to increase throughput and decrease sample turnaround times.
As part of a wider digital modernisation programme, NHLS is transitioning its existing Labware Laboratory Information Management System to TrakCare. This migration will improve performance reporting, data integrity, and management oversight, ensuring real-time visibility into progress made toward backlog targets.
This initiative represents a critical advancement toward long-term sustainability and accountability within the FCLs. By enhancing both capacity and systemic efficiency, NHLS aims to restore operational effectiveness, strengthen public confidence, and reaffirm its commitment to supporting justice and public health.
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For more information and media enquiries, please contact:
Mr Mzi Gcukumana
Head of Communication
National Health Laboratory Service
0663763171
mzimasi.gcukumana@nhls.ac.za