The Department of Laboratories and Research is the behind-the-scenes agency that conducts scientific tests in matters ranging from criminal evidence to public health concerns.

In 2007, we opened a state-of-the-art DNA addition to the Forensic Lab that can analyze evidence more quickly and establish identity through DNA with the smallest of samples. In 2004, we opened an enhanced Biosafety Level 3 laboratory to identify select agents and new and emerging pathogens. This arrangement groups nearly all county laboratories under a single administrative control, thus permitting interchange of scientific knowledge, technology and data.

Whether it is analyzing crime specimens for DNA, toys for possible lead or patient specimens for TB, the department works to protect the public's health and safety.

The Office of the Medical Examiner investigates and determines cause and manner of death occurring in Westchester "due to unlawful act, criminal neglect, violence, casualties, or by sudden or unexplained circumstances." 

The Division of Environmental Services provides testing to a number of government agencies, health officials, DA's Office, engineers, hospitals, schools, businesses, homeowners, residents and others. The state-of-the-art facility and highly trained analysts provide the best in bacteriological, inorganic, organic and radiological testing. The QA/QC department ensures all reported results meet or exceed all quality standards set by New York State and the US EPA.

The Division of Forensic Sciences, commonly known as the “Forensic Lab” provides quality and timely scientific analyses of physical evidence to local, state and national entities within the criminal justice system. The division's various units examine a wide array of evidentiary materials such as items tested for the presence of DNA, controlled substances, fibers, hairs, fire debris and gunshot residue. Audio, video and image analyses are also performed.

The Division of Forensic Toxicology analyzes biological specimens for the presence of alcohol, drugs and other toxic compounds as a part of postmortem medicolegal investigations of the Westchester County Medical Examiner's Office. The Medical Examiner’s Office uses information generated by the toxicology laboratory when determining the manner and cause of death of an individual. Through the application of toxicological and pharmacological principles, the toxicologists interpret the test results in order to assist with the formation of conclusions regarding the circumstances of the death.

The Division of Microbiological Services provides diagnosis and identification of infectious agent that may cause diseases of public health significance.

 

Subcategories

The function of the Public Health Laboratories is to provide the diagnostic and analytical testing necessary to protect and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of Westchester County from communicable diseases and environmental hazards of public health concern. 

 

In the MICROBIOLOGICAL LABORATORIES, specimens are tested for the diagnosis and control of communicable and infectious diseases.   Laboratory services are provided to the Westchester Medical Center, the New York Medical College, and various county agencies including the health department as well as private hospitals, physicians, institutions and businesses.  For general information (914) 231-1610.

 

The ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORIES analyze drinking water, non-potable water, wastewater, solid and hazardous waste, paint samples, food and air for pollutants regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, the New York State Health Department and other agencies.   Laboratory services are provided to local health departments, Westchester County Agencies, municipal water companies, environmental consultants/engineers, industry and homeowners. For general information call (914) 231-1620.


Both divisions of the Public Health Laboratories are certified by federal and state agencies to perform laboratory analyses for samples and/or specimens over which they have regulatory authority. CERTIFICATIONS are maintained through satisfactory annual or biannual inspections of laboratory facilities by the appropriate agencies and by the laboratories' satisfactory performance on proficiency samples.

Westchester County Environmental Labs
State and Nationally Accredited for over 700 Analytes

 

Telephone: (914) 231-1620
Fax:              (914) 231-1772

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday  8AM - 5PM
Saturday & Sunday  9AM - 12PM
(Prescheduled Samples Only)
All other hours  (Callback samples only)

   
David L. Vinci
Chief of Environmental Laboratory Services

Telephone: (914) 231-1768
E-mail:  dlv1@westchestergov.com


Robert Cofer
Program Coordinator,
Client Services

Telephone: (914) 231-1771
E-mail:  rrc4@westchestergov.com


Rob Hilbrandt
QA/QC Officer


Telephone: (914) 231-1531
E-mail:  rwh2@westchestergov.com


Igor Tarnopolsky
QA/QC Officer Telephone: (914) 231-1532
E-mail:   itt1@westchestergov.com

 

Division of Forensic Sciences and Division of Forensic Tocicology
Division of Forensic Sciences
The principal mission of the Division of Forensic Sciences, commonly referred to as the “crime lab” is to provide quality and timely scientific analyses of physical evidence to law enforcement agencies operating in Westchester County. The laboratory also provides expert scientific testimony to the various courts in our jurisdictional area. The various units that comprise this division examine evidentiary materials such as blood, tissue, drugs, footwear impressions, fibers, hairs, glass etc.
The Division of Forensic Sciences strives to provide our county with the most advanced analysis of physical evidence in a cost-effective way, thus contributing to the increased safety of all the residents of Westchester County.
Division of Forensic Toxicology
Toxicology is the study of harmful effects of chemicals on biological systems. It is a branch of pharmacology that incorporates many areas of knowledge including pharmacology, analytical and organic chemistry, physiology, and pathology.
Laboratory personnel also provide human performance testing consultations and testimony for breath alcohol testing conducted in the county by law enforcement agencies.
On occasion, toxicological investigations are conducted for county health facilities.