Drug & steroid testing for TV, media and production
Drug testing in media and production is not about policing creative environments
Designed for roles where chronic or dependent substance use could have serious consequences, our analysis focuses on identifying levels of use over time, helping productiond understand whether there is a cause for concern.
The outcome of our testing is not a verdict, but an insight. One piece of evidence that supports safer, more informed workplace decisions and a stronger duty of care.
Testing should be handled with sensitivity, discretion, and a clear welfare framing
Testing must be transparent, proportionate, and clearly communicated to everyone involved, used only where there is a genuine safety or welfare justification.
Hair strand analysis looks beyond a single moment, detecting drug metabolites that remain in the body long after use and revealing patterns over time rather than a narrow snapshot. This matters across a production workforce where risk levels vary significantly by role. It also captures risks that standard panels miss, anabolic steroid use, for example, rarely presents as obvious impairment, but the effects on mood, behaviour, and on-set safety can be serious.
Duty of care obligations have grown significantly in recent years
High-profile welfare failures in television and film production have driven greater scrutiny of how broadcasters, production companies, and independent producers manage the wellbeing of the people they work with. Ofcom guidelines, broadcaster commissioning standards, and the PACT code of practice all reflect growing expectations.
For productions involving contributors in vulnerable circumstances, structured welfare frameworks, including appropriate testing where justified, are increasingly a requirement rather than a recommendation. And for safety-critical roles on location or in specialist environments, the case is even clearer.
How we help
Pre-production
RANDOM
On location & for cause
Get in touch
Alex is Head of Sales and Marketing at Cansford Labs and your main point of contact for employment testing.
5 Panel
Basic analysis
- Amphetamine
- Cannabinoids
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamines
- Opiates
6 Panel
Simple insight
- Amphetamine
- Benzodiazepines
- Cannabinoids
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamines
- Opiates
9 Panel
Most common drug groups
- Amphetamine
- Benzodiazepines
- Cannabinoids
- Cocaine
- Ketamine
- Methadone
- Methamphetamines
- Opiates
- Tramadol
18 panel
Extended analysis
- Amphetamine
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Benzodiazepines
- Buprenorphine
- Cannabinoids
- Cathinones
- Cocaine
- Hallucinogenics
- Hypnotic sedatives
- Ketamine
- Mephedrone
- Methadone
- Methamphetamines
- Opioids
- Opiates
- Propoxyphene
- Tramadol
Resources
Our materials are designed to inform and support your professional decisions. Stay equipped with trusted insights from the UK’s leading testing specialists.
Case Studies
Our case studies show how fast, reliable testing helps people move forward with clarity and confidence. These are the stories behind the science.
Collections
Professional, empathetic and highly trained. We are proud to deliver an exceptional service through our skilled collections agents based all across the UK.
Training
We offer practical training, for drug awareness and sample collection. Delivered by our experienced collectors, it equips your team to manage testing confidently and safely.
Support
Caring for your employees and colleagues truly matters. If someone on your team needs help with drugs or alcohol, guidance and support is available to get them safely back on track.
FAQs
Knowledge is power. Our FAQs bring together the key facts, figures, and processes behind our drug and alcohol testing, giving you clear, straightforward answers all in one place.