Blog
How does cosmetic treatment impact hair alcohol and drugs tests
Cosmetic treatments: Hair is a robust sample for testing drugs and alcohol and has 3 morphological regions; the cuticle, cortex and medulla. The cuticle is the outer part of the hair, and it consists of a sheath of overlapping scale cells that protect the bulk of the hair, the cortex. The... Read More
How to avoid a false positive drug test and the factors that can cause it
A common question that the team at DNA Legal receive is what will cause a false positive drugs test? You may have read in one of our other blog posts the fact that that we’ve mentioned one of the flaws in drug testing is that there is such a thing as a ‘false positive’ if the laboratory does not... Read More
Job Sectors and their Workplace Drug & Alcohol Testing: Procedures and Policies
In the UK, the extent of drug & alcohol abuse in the workplace is not often discussed yet over one million people per year are estimated to be abusing drugs & alcohol whilst at work. However, most workplace testing policies only apply to industries where safety is of the utmost... Read More
Why alcohol markers EtG and FAEE (EtPa) cannot be segmented in hair
Introduction: Hair is used as a robust sample for drug and alcohol testing. Due to the way it grows and the way drugs and alcohol are absorbed into the hair, it can provide a wide range of information about the drug and alcohol consumption history of an individual. Unlike drug testing in head... Read More
What is a cut-off level and how do DNA Legal use them in their expert reports
What is a cut-off level? Cut off levels are useful tools for the understanding of drug results. This is because the cut off levels can minimise the chances of false positive results. False positive results can occur from external contamination due to environmental exposure, such as... Read More
Is it legal to refuse a paternity test?
When it comes to raising a child in the UK, the financial responsibilities lay on both of the parents. With relationships ending and divorces taking place, it is increasingly common for a single parent to raise the child, with the other parent paying child maintenance and getting regular custody.... Read More
A Guide on Pre-Employment Drug Testing
Pre-employment drug testing takes place when potential new employees are requested to provide a urine, saliva, or hair sample for a drug (or alcohol) analysis before being offered the job. The test may occur as early as the interview stage, however, it’s more likely to come at a later stage in the... Read More
Forensic DNA & Drug Testing: How it works
We’ve seen it on our favourite crime scene investigation TV shows and we’ve heard it solve age-old crime mysteries in the news, but the reality of forensic DNA and drug testing is slightly less dramatic than Hollywood makes out. The real-world applications of forensics and drug testing are numerous... Read More
CBD & Drug Testing: Your Questions Answered
Over the last few years, CBD has skyrocketed in popularity. This chemical compound from the cannabis sativa plant is commonly used for pain relief and relaxation despite a growing number of side effects. With CBD being deemed legal in the UK, drug testing has had to adapt and the workplace has had... Read More
Immigration DNA Testing for a British Passport: how it works
Welcome. In this piece, we are going to cover the main areas and key questions regarding Immigration DNA testing for a British passport. This topic can be a very sensitive and timely issue for those who are experiencing immigration issues and may be separated from family members by... Read More
Understanding your DNA results
How to choose an approved DNA Testing Company When choosing an approved DNA Testing company it is important to be looked after throughout the process, right through to the end result. Questionably the most important aspect is being able to understand your results when the testing is complete. At... Read More
The benefits of a drug-free workplace policy
The modern workplace is a more delicate environment than ever before. High labour turnovers, more detailed insurance policies, and office politics can all create a sense that businesses have to work harder to create a successful balance. One way of keeping the workplace functioning effectively is... Read More