Part 1 of Our Alcohol Testing Series on what happens to blood and urine specimens that are sent to the State laboratory after a motorist has been arrested.
Meta Description: "Comprehensive guide to your rights during alcohol testing in Ireland. Learn about MBRS specimen collection, testing procedures, and how to get independent analysis."
When you provide a specimen of blood or urine for alcohol testing in Ireland, the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) follows strict protocols to ensure accurate and reliable results. The MBRS is Ireland's National Forensic Laboratory for testing intoxicants in drivers.
Here's what you should know about the testing process.
"The MBRS sends all results via registered post,
requiring a signature upon delivery"
How Specimens Are Collected and Preserved: MBRS Specimen Collection Standards in Ireland
The MBRS uses specially designed specimen bottles that contain specific preservatives:
For urine samples: Bottles contain sodium fluoride, a white powder that dissolves in the sample and acts as a preservative
For blood samples: Bottles contain both sodium fluoride (preservative) and potassium oxalate (prevents blood clotting)
Independent Testing Rights for Drivers
According to the MBRS, when you're asked to provide a specimen, you have the right to:
Be offered a specimen for independent testing
Store this specimen safely (ideally refrigerated)
Have it tested at an accredited laboratory of your choice
Important: The MBRS emphasizes that you must not break the red seal on the container, as this invalidates the chain of custody.
What Happens to Your Specimen? Official MBRS Laboratory Procedures
The MBRS follows these steps when processing specimens:
Registration and logging into their Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
Recording of information from the Section 15 form completed by the designated doctor or nurse
Laboratory analysis using advanced testing methods
Issuing of results via Certificate of Analysis
Testing Standards and Reliability: Official MBRS Laboratory Procedures
To ensure reliability:
All testing follows strict forensic standards
The laboratory holds ISO 17025(2017) accreditation
Independent audits are conducted by the Irish National Accreditation Board
Analysis typically takes about two weeks for alcohol testing
For drugs, this takes 6-8 weeks on average.
Results and Certification: Alcohol Test Result Certification Process
After testing is complete, the MBRS:
Issues a Certificate of Analysis to both you and An Garda Síochána
Details the concentration of alcohol found
May conduct additional drug testing if alcohol levels are below certain thresholds
Maintains copies of results which can be requested with proper documentation
Getting Your Results
The MBRS sends all results via registered post, requiring a signature upon delivery. If you miss the delivery:
The letter returns to the MBRS
Results are forwarded to the Garda Station where you provided the specimen
You must contact the station or the Garda in charge of your case to retrieve your certificate
This information comes directly from the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, Ireland's national authority for forensic testing of intoxicants in drivers.
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