This performance measure gauges the efficiency of toxicology analysis by measuring the time from when a toxicology report is ordered, the specimen is received by the lab to when the final report is completed.

The primary goal of this measure is to assess the speed and efficiency of the toxicology lab's contribution to the medicolegal death investigation process. Toxicology results are often critical for determining the cause and manner of death, especially in cases involving drug overdose, poisoning, or impaired driving. Delays in receiving these results can prolong the completion of the final autopsy report.

By monitoring and improving this metric, a medical examiner's office can:

• Expedite case closure for families and law enforcement.
• Enhance the timeliness and accuracy of autopsy reports.
• Improve overall operational efficiency by identifying and addressing bottlenecks in the lab process.