By Gianna Njau
PEORIA COUNTY, Ill. (25 News) – Peoria County is investing $75,000 in a new forensic technology system designed to improve death case examinations and reduce taxpayer costs.
The county is purchasing a Randox toxicology multianalyte testing system that will speed up forensic testing and improve efficiency. Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood said the system will save taxpayer dollars while providing faster answers to families awaiting results after the loss of a loved one.
“We get called out to a residential death, and if a substance is suspected, we can run it through toxicology immediately to determine what that drug was,” Harwood said.
The new system analyzes blood samples using specialized cartridges which can deliver results quickly. Harwood said it will provide real-time surveillance within the community for prevention.
Before the new system was approved, the Peoria County Coroner’s Office sent samples to Pennsylvania for testing, resulting in longer turnaround times and increased costs.
“It will save a ton of money for us internally, and a ton of money for the taxpayers. It’s going to give us the exact same result right here locally. with the turnaround time being around 30 to 40 minutes to get those results back out,” he said.
The county could save around $45,000 a year while also generating additional revenue. Harwood said about 12 counties in total will use the system, with around nine counties using it full time and three using it part time, which will generate revenue back into the county.
The new system will arrive in July.
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