Education and youth services
Protecting students, safeguarding communities and supporting education professionals with accurate, reliable employment testing and substance use insight.
About our testing
At Cansford Labs, we know that navigating drug and alcohol concerns in education settings requires sensitivity, clarity, and professionalism. Whether you are responding to a specific incident, supporting a pupil with agreed monitoring, or seeking reassurance for staff and governors, our testing services provide the scientific evidence you need without unnecessary complexity.
Our laboratory and point-of-care testing options are designed to fit the unique needs of schools, colleges and universities. We can detect recent or historical drug and alcohol use, helping you make informed decisions that prioritise safety, fairness and wellbeing.
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.
Speed and peace of mind:
We deliver 99% of hair, blood and nail test results within 3 days of receipt at our labs, where other laboratories take weeks. Sample collection can typically be arranged within 48 hours – helping you resolve cases quickly, and with minimal fuss.
Quality, care, accuracy:
We know that the results of the tests we conduct have a significant effect on students’ lives. Our laboratory test processes are ISO 17025-accredited, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy, reliability and laboratory expertise across our portfolio.
