Forensic Chemistry Laboratories (FCL)

There are four Forensic Chemistry Laboratories (FCL’s) in South Africa, one in each of Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg.

• The core business of the FCL’s include:
  Blood Alcohol analysis is performed on ante-mortem and post-mortem blood in terms of the Criminal Procedures Act 51 of 1977, sections 212 4(a) and 8 (a) and the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1991, Section 65.
• Toxicology cause of death determination is performed on biological fluids such as blood, urine and vitreous humor, human organs such as stomach, liver and kidneys, and physical exhibit material such as poison or drugs found on the scene of death in terms of the Criminal Procedures Act 51 of 1977, as well as the Inquest Act 58 of 1959.
• Foodstuffs and cosmetics are tested in terms of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, Act 54 of 1972. National sample runs are coordinated and communicated to the provinces by the NDoH Food Control Directorate, in collaboration with the FCLs.

The four FCL’s serve the total geographical area and population of South Africa. Clients include the South African Police Service, Forensic Pathology Services Mortuaries of the Department of Health in the provinces, National Prosecuting Authority and Local Authorities (municipalities).