Choosing your test
Testing made easy, with results you can trust. Knowing what drug or type of alcohol testing you need isn’t easy or clear cut. Be assured we’re with you every step of the way to inform, guide and advise whichever test you may require.
What you need to know before
choosing your test:
What do I need to test for?
Different tests detect different drug and alcohol substances.
What detection window am I interested in?
Some tests detect drug or alcohol use ‘in-the-moment’; others detect use up to 4 days later; others detect historical use, between 7 days and 6 months after the incident.
Where will the results be used?
Only laboratory test results are admissible in court, because they offer the highest level of accuracy. Results from a ‘point-of-care’ (POC) test may be sufficient to suspend an individual from a workplace or other establishment, but will need to be confirmed by a laboratory test if the results are to be used elsewhere – at an employment court, for example.
How quickly are results needed?
Point-of-care tests offer results in minutes. Results from Cansford Laboratories tests take up to 3 days – the fastest turnaround time of any UK lab.
How should results be collected?
Collecting hair, nail and dry blood spot samples are all non-invasive procedures and can be done in the comfort of your home, or at another address such as a solicitors office or GP surgery.
Our test types
Hair strand testing
This test provides clear insights into drug use over an indefinite period, while alcohol use can be detected for up to six months. Our segmented analysis reveals patterns over time, providing deeper insight.
Tests are able to detect a wide range of substances with just a small hair sample, it’s quick, non-invasive, and highly accurate.
PEth testing
This test detects alcohol use over the past month with unmatched sensitivity. We now include blood EtG in all PEth tests, which
reveals alcohol intake in the last 2–3 days.
Using a quick and painless dry blood spot test, we eliminate the need for venous blood collection, making the process faster, easier, and just as reliable.
Nail testing
This test provides a detailed, long-term view of drug and alcohol use, detecting substances for up to 6 months, and works by analysing substances trapped in the keratin as the nail grows.
We test for a wide range of drugs, as well as alcohol, offering a reliable alternative when hair testing isn’t possible.
DNA testing
DNA testing provides a fast, reliable way to confirm biological relationships, such as paternity, maternity, or sibling connections.
We use a simple, painless cheek swab to collect DNA, with results available in just a few days. Whether for peace of mind or official matters, DNA testing delivers clear, conclusive answers.
CDT testing
This detects heavy alcohol intake over the past 2-4 weeks by measuring Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin, a biomarker affected by sustained alcohol use.
CDT is tested through a venous blood sample and despite being an indicator for regular high alcohol intake, it is most effective when combined with other tests.
Understanding different tests: