Drug & alcohol testing for social work. Fast, accredited, and built for child protection cases.

The families and individuals at the centre of social work cases are often navigating some of the most difficult periods of their lives. We work with social workers, local authorities and independent social work practitioners providing drug, alcohol and DNA testing that gives you a reliable foundation for the decisions you need to make.
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The detail that cases demand

 

A positive or a negative is rarely enough when you are building a picture of someone’s circumstances. What matters is the pattern, the timeline, and the context behind the result. Our confirmation analysis goes beyond simple detection, producing quantifiable results that show not just whether a substance was present, but how much and over what period. For drugs and alcohol, we can map consumption month by month. For DNA, we can confirm or exclude biological relationships with statistical certainty.

We offer hair strand and nail testing for drugs and alcohol, blood alcohol testing, and DNA relationship testing, and every case is approached individually. Our team will work with you to make sure the right tests are matched to the questions your case actually needs answered.

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Why social workers work with us

Speed without compromise

We are the UK’s fastest drug and alcohol testing service, with all results delivered within three working days of receipt at our lab. When a case is moving quickly and the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult is at stake, that turnaround is not a small thing.

Making your budget work harder

Local authority budgets are under constant pressure, and every decision about testing needs to be justified. Our Extended 18 panel tests for double the substances of our Common 9 panel at exactly the same price and with no impact on turnaround time. In cases where broader coverage could make a difference, that is worth knowing. For situations that need something more tailored, bespoke testing is available, and our team will help you find the most practical route to the answers you need.

Collections handled from start to finish

We know that not every donor comes to a collection willingly, and that in social work contexts the circumstances can be particularly sensitive. Our collectors are experienced in handling situations where there is reluctance or anxiety, and they are skilled at navigating those moments with patience and care. From arranging the appointment through to keeping you informed of confirmations, cancellations, and anything relevant that arises, we handle the process end to end. Collections can be arranged within 48 working hours at a location that suits the donor, including at home.

Our test types
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Drug Testing
When you need clarity around drug use, our testing provides answers you can trust. We identify a wide range of substances quickly and accurately, helping you understand patterns of use and make informed choices.
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alcohol testing
We provide rapid, accurate and discreet hair strand and blood testing of alcohol consumption. We are the UK’s only laboratory to offer segmented hair testing.
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DNA Testing
We offer MoJ accredited DNA testing services to individuals and organisations across the UK – with results back in 3–5 days.
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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.
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As a case handler, I need results I can rely on and reports I can actually use in assessments. Cansford deliver both, consistently. They’re also genuinely helpful when I call with questions and that makes a real difference.
Children’s Services Case Handler, West Midlands
We’ve worked with a number of testing providers over the years and Cansford are by far the most straightforward to deal with. Clear communication, reliable results, and they understand the context we’re working in.
Team Manager, Family Support Service
Cansford’s reports have supported some of our most complex safeguarding decisions. Knowing the science behind them is sound gives us the confidence to act on the findings.
Senior Social Worker, Local Authority

social work drug & alcohol testing FAQs

Testing provides objective, evidence-based information that can support decision-making in child protection, care planning, and family assessments — helping to build a clearer and fairer picture.

Hair strand testing is often preferred as it covers a longer timeframe, giving a more complete view of patterns of use. We’re happy to discuss the best approach for each individual case.

We offer flexible collection arrangements, clear and accessible reports, and expert guidance throughout. We understand the pressures social workers face and aim to make the testing process as smooth as possible.

Yes, our reports are produced to medico-legal standards and are widely accepted by local authorities, CAFCASS, and family courts across the UK.