*/
Drug testing plays a crucial role in safeguarding children and informing court decisions. Whether used in private law cases – such as custody disputes – or during child protection proceedings, reliable drug testing can help establish patterns of substance use, monitor abstinence, and support safeguarding measures.
Legal professionals and social workers often rely on ‘wide-window’ (long-term) drug testing methods, such as hair and nail analysis, to assess a person’s historical drug use over several months. However, these methods cannot detect very recent consumption, which can be critical for assessing immediate risks to children.
This is where oral fluid (saliva) drug testing comes into its own.
Oral fluid (saliva) drug testing is classified as a ‘narrow-window’ (short-term) testing method, meaning it can be used to detect very recent drug use (up to 48 hours after drugs were first consumed).
During an oral fluid test, a sample of saliva is collected using an absorbent swab. The swab is then placed inside a screening device, providing results within minutes.
If drugs are detected, further analysis is carried out at our UKAS 17025-accredited laboratory to confirm the results.
The many benefits of oral fluid drug testing include:
While oral fluid drug testing is highly effective for detecting recent drug use, it does not provide insight into a person’s long-term substance use.
Where a holistic picture is needed, oral fluid testing therefore acts as the perfect complement to hair and/or nail drug tests.
Legal clients can get an AlphaBiolabs oral fluid test for half price (£49) until 30 June 2025. Simply quote OF49 when placing an order for a hair or nail drug test.* For more information, contact our New Enquiry team on 0333 600 1300 / testing@alphabiolabs.com or complete our online quote form https://www.alphabiolabs.co.uk/legal-test-forms/
*Oral fluid test must be performed at the same time as hair/nail sample collection.
Marie Law is Head of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs. A highly skilled and respected scientist with over 13 years’ experience in the field of forensics, Marie joined AlphaBiolabs in 2022 and oversees the company’s growing toxicology team. As Head of Toxicology, Marie’s day-to-day responsibilities include maintaining the highest quality testing standards for toxicology and further enhancing AlphaBiolabs’ drug and alcohol testing services for the legal sector, members of the public, and the workplace sector.
Drug testing plays a crucial role in safeguarding children and informing court decisions. Whether used in private law cases – such as custody disputes – or during child protection proceedings, reliable drug testing can help establish patterns of substance use, monitor abstinence, and support safeguarding measures.
Legal professionals and social workers often rely on ‘wide-window’ (long-term) drug testing methods, such as hair and nail analysis, to assess a person’s historical drug use over several months. However, these methods cannot detect very recent consumption, which can be critical for assessing immediate risks to children.
This is where oral fluid (saliva) drug testing comes into its own.
Oral fluid (saliva) drug testing is classified as a ‘narrow-window’ (short-term) testing method, meaning it can be used to detect very recent drug use (up to 48 hours after drugs were first consumed).
During an oral fluid test, a sample of saliva is collected using an absorbent swab. The swab is then placed inside a screening device, providing results within minutes.
If drugs are detected, further analysis is carried out at our UKAS 17025-accredited laboratory to confirm the results.
The many benefits of oral fluid drug testing include:
While oral fluid drug testing is highly effective for detecting recent drug use, it does not provide insight into a person’s long-term substance use.
Where a holistic picture is needed, oral fluid testing therefore acts as the perfect complement to hair and/or nail drug tests.
Legal clients can get an AlphaBiolabs oral fluid test for half price (£49) until 30 June 2025. Simply quote OF49 when placing an order for a hair or nail drug test.* For more information, contact our New Enquiry team on 0333 600 1300 / testing@alphabiolabs.com or complete our online quote form https://www.alphabiolabs.co.uk/legal-test-forms/
*Oral fluid test must be performed at the same time as hair/nail sample collection.
Now is the time to tackle inappropriate behaviour at the Bar as well as extend our reach and collaboration with organisations and individuals at home and abroad
A comparison – Dan Monaghan, Head of DWF Chambers, invites two viewpoints
And if not, why not? asks Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
Marie Law, Head of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, discusses the many benefits of oral fluid drug testing for child welfare and protection matters
To mark International Women’s Day, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management looks at how financial planning can help bridge the gap
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs answers some of the most common questions regarding relationship DNA testing for court
Marking Neurodiversity Week 2025, an anonymous barrister shares the revelations and emotions from a mid-career diagnosis with a view to encouraging others to find out more
Patrick Green KC talks about the landmark Post Office Group litigation and his driving principles for life and practice. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Desiree Artesi meets Malcolm Bishop KC, the Lord Chief Justice of Tonga, who talks about his new role in the South Pacific and reflects on his career
Sir Nicholas Mostyn, former High Court judge, on starting a hit podcast with fellow ‘Parkies’ after the shock of his diagnosis
Exclusive QA with Henry Dannell
