The Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia (PSA) runs an in-house laboratory, managed by the Office of Forensic Toxicology Services (OFTS), which handles drug testing for pretrial defendants under PSA's supervision, offenders under CSOSA's supervision (including those on probation, parole, and supervised release), and individuals ordered to test by the D.C. Superior Court Family Court. This laboratory is certified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) and is staffed with experts in forensic toxicology, forensic science, medical technology, chemistry, and biology.
Every month, the laboratory processes approximately 10,000 specimens which contribute to about one million tests per year. Each sample, collected from defendants, supervisees and Family Court respondents, can be tested for over 10 different substances.
Having an on-site laboratory at the courthouse allows for same-day results for pretrial cases. Additionally, the laboratory can conduct "spot" tests within a two-hour timeframe when ordered by a judicial officer, thanks to our advanced testing and management information systems.
Drug Testing
PSA conducts drug testing for defendants as a condition of their pretrial release.
Forensic Analysis & Testimony
The Laboratory’s toxicologists and chemists offer expert testimony to support their analytical findings. Every month, our scientists interpret results for new or ongoing cases for over a thousand individuals, making a significant impact with their expertise.
Contact the Forensic Analysis & Testimony Team
Phone: 202-585-7255