Free resources

A hand holding the Cansford Easy Read guide to having a drug or alcohol test

Our guides are designed to inform and support both those taking and instructing on testing.

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Latest insights

A hand holding the Cansford Easy Read guide to having a drug or alcohol test

Our blog is where we unpack the science, share what’s changing in the world of testing, and answer your questions.

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Frequently asked questions

A hand holding the Cansford Easy Read guide to having a drug or alcohol test

Got questions? We’ve got answers. Our FAQ page is here to help you find quick, clear, and helpful information about our services.

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Our services

A hand holding the Cansford Easy Read guide to having a drug or alcohol test

Learn more about our full range of drug, alcohol and DNA testing services.

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Free resources

A hand holding the Cansford Easy Read guide to having a drug or alcohol test

Our guides are designed to inform and support both those taking and instructing on testing.

Download now →

Cansford Labs - Pioneering drug and alcohol testing

Family law and child proceedings

Fast, reliable testing. Trusted results.

We are here to help you handle your cases and give you evidence that you can trust, delivered professionally and with care.

Drug and alcohol testing you can rely on

When you’re handling sensitive cases, having clear, reliable evidence can make all the difference. At Cansford Labs, we provide expert drug, alcohol, and DNA testing designed to give you confidence in your decisions and in court.

Our approach is built around accuracy, speed and clarity, so you can focus on your clients while we handle the science. We aim to make testing straightforward, professional, and supportive for everyone involved.

Why family law professionals work with us:

Trusted, court-ready results
Our UKAS-accredited lab delivers results you can rely on. Reports are clear, detailed and easy to understand, so you have evidence that stands up under scrutiny without confusion or uncertainty.

Insight over assumption
Whether you need to understand patterns of drug or alcohol use or confirm biological relationships, our testing provides facts, not opinions. This helps you manage risk, support your clients and present evidence confidently.

Professional, empathetic collections
Our nationwide network of trained collectors ensures clients feel comfortable and respected. They’re experienced in working with sensitive cases and know how to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. Supporting your cases, simply

Woman in the Cansford Labs office talking on the phone with a smile on her face.

Our test types

Hair Strand Testing

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

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

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

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

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.

Expert report writing

Clear, detailed, and court ready – our expert report writing service provides everything you need to support your case.

Every test we conduct comes with a certificate of analysis, but when you need a more in-depth explanation, our reporting scientists can provide a comprehensive, written, expert report. This includes a formal declaration of results, details on our reporting scientists’ qualifications, and key information about the sample.

Following feedback from family law professionals, we’ve designed our reports to ensure they meet the highest standards and usability.

Testimonials

“I think they are brilliant, and answer questions really quickly when I need them to”.

 “I concur with Emilie.  They are really helpful and always willing to provide any information and explanation we need fully and clearly.  Turnaround time is second to none compared to others.”

Emilie Collis & Michelle Bracher

Solicitor & PA Rosie Bracher Solicitors

“I take lead on the instruction for drug and alcohol testing and I am impressed with their turn around time and intend to instruct Cansford more often.”

- Partner, Family Law Practice

“The service we received was very good, especially the turnaround time. The results were sent to the social worker and our solicitor and there have been no queries regarding the information provided”

- Family Law Solicitor

“I thought it (your service) was first rate and I know my client was happy with your service. It’s no wonder your organisation is recommended”

- Paralegal, Family Law Practice