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Benton County coroner seeks on‑site toxicology unit to cut wait times from months to weeks
Summary
Coroner Daniel R. Oxford requested a Randox toxicology analyzer to shorten turnaround for toxicology screening (from months at the state crime lab to ~30 days in‑house), saying it would accelerate death certificates and reduce unnecessary autopsies; he estimated ~200 tests a year and operating costs of about $45 per test cartridge.
Daniel R. Oxford, the county coroner, asked justices to fund a Randox toxicology analyzer that would allow local screening of blood, urine and ocular fluid. Oxford said the machine would return preliminary results in roughly 30 days versus the state crime‑lab wait of four to 13 months on many cases.
"PrimeLab is about 4 to 13 months to get an autopsy report back," Oxford said, adding that a local analyzer would help coroners and law enforcement determine whether a death requires a full autopsy and would reduce the burden on grieving families waiting for death certificates. He estimated his office handles about 2,200 calls a year and that roughly 10% (about 200) would generate cases appropriate for the unit.
Oxford provided operating numbers: the single‑use biochip that screens for multiple narcotics runs about $45 per test; vendors estimate equipment life at 8–10 years. He estimated the county could run roughly 200 tests annually and noted his capital request included 100 test kits as part of the purchase price.
Justices asked about legal requirements and transport costs for autopsies. Oxford said state law currently mandates autopsy when drugs or alcohol are suspected and that transporting remains to the state lab can cost $500–$600; having local screening would help triage which cases need full autopsy and reduce unnecessary transports.
Chair noted the coroner's request and the budget committee will consider the capital line item as part of the overall capital requests package.
Ending: The court did not immediately act on the request; the item will move through the capital‑budget process.
