A forensic laboratory should analyze biological specimens for chemical substances that may have had an influence on the health status of the deceased. Laboratory personnel must be trained in analytical chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology. The laboratory should be properly designed and equipped to analyze many different substances with a high degree of specificity. Proper documentation of laboratory receipt, results, and storage of specimens is especially important because of its role in the judicial system. Titles used by laboratory personnel, a diagram of a forensic laboratory, and 14 references are provided. (Author summary modified)