Toxicology experts use an analytical method known as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify seized materials.

It is painstaking work, much like trying to piece together a jigsaw puzzle without having a reference picture. 

Lab scientists analyse the mass spectrum of seized substances to determine what they are composed of. These mass spectra are then checked against reference libraries to determine their molecular structure. In the case of of new synthetic drugs, such references may not be present and scientists have to try and work out the structure from the mass spectrum they have obtained. 

Most synthetic drugs are discovered as herbal preparations, with the actual active substance sprayed over the plant material. Other synthetic drugs take the form of powders or tablets. 

Dr Cassar said her team also analysed evidence from crime scenes, such as cigarette butts, blood, semen and other material stained with body fluids. DNA is extracted from these samples using various extraction techniques and then a DNA profile is generated. This DNA profile can then be compared to DNA profiles of suspects.

The laboratory was engaged by the government to conduct tests when legionella cases surfaced in local hospitals.The laboratory was engaged by the government to conduct tests when legionella cases surfaced in local hospitals.

READ: Police finding it hard to cope with flurry of new drugs

Besides forensic testing, BioDNA Ltd also carries microbiology testing. It works with the pharmaceutical industry and food manufacturers and has been awarded tenders for the Legionella testing at Mater Dei and Mount Carmel hospitals.

Traditional microbiology is gradually being replaced by molecular methods of microbial identification, which are much faster than traditional methods. 

The sooner the infection-causing agent is identified, the sooner the patient can receive the right treatment or the food in question determined to be free of pathogenic bacteria and released on the market. 

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