Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) drug testing turnaround time has decreased dramatically at the WSLH Forensic Toxicology Laboratory after implementation of several recommendations from a task force convened by the WSLH, including a Lean Six Sigma process improvement initiative.
So far in 2014, drug testing results are being reported out in 69 days vs. 263 days in 2012. Further decreases in drug testing turnaround times are anticipated and updates will be provided. Alcohol test results continue to be reported out in less than 5 days.
WSLH toxicologists perform approximately 18,000 OWI alcohol tests and 4,000 OWI drug tests annually. Toxicologists also testify in court cases.
In November 2011 the WSLH formed the Task Force on Improving Services from the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene Forensic Toxicology Program to address the trend of increasingly long delays in reporting blood drug results. The task force consisted of a broad spectrum of stakeholders and partners. A final report, issued in July 2012, outlined a strategy to improve efficiency, reduce workload and increase resources to provide more timely results.
August 25, 2014 WSLH Forensic Toxicology Task force on Improving Services UPDATE
Written by: Jan Klawitter, WSLH Public Affairs Manager