Accredited drug and alcohol testing
Hair Strand Testing for Drugs & Alcohol
Hair strand testing provides a historical view of drug or alcohol use, making it particularly useful where patterns of drug use or alcohol consumption need to be assessed over time.
Certis BioLabs offers hair strand testing for drugs and alcohol to support legal, family law and safeguarding cases, as well as situations where clear, objective evidence is required. All analytical testing is carried out by our UK-based UKAS-accredited laboratory partner, ensuring results meet recognised quality and evidential standards.
Reports are prepared to court-compliant formats and are based on accredited laboratory analysis and overseen by expert forensic toxicologists. Our customer service team provides clear guidance throughout the process, helping clients and professionals understand whether hair strand testing is the most appropriate option for their circumstances. We can also provide flexible payment options to best suit your needs.
Contact our team to discuss whether hair strand testing is appropriate for your situation.
What Is Hair Strand Testing?
Hair strand testing involves analysing a sample of hair to assess drug or alcohol use over time.
Drugs are metabolised in the liver, transported by blood and deposited into the hair as it grows. By analysing a measured length of hair, it is possible to gain insight into substance use during the period in which that hair was formed.
Depending on the length of hair available, hair strand testing typically reflects drug or alcohol use over a period of approximately one to twelve months. This makes it more suitable for cases where historical, rather than very recent use, need to be considered.
What Can Hair Strand Testing Show?
Hair strand testing can provide:
Evidence of drug use over an extended period
Indication of patterns of excessive or non-excessive alcohol consumption
Objective information to support assessment of longer-term or repeated use
Results are interpreted carefully and objectively by expert scientists. Hair strand testing is not intended to assess very recent use and should be considered alongside the context and requirements of the case.
Hair Strand Testing Compared to Other Methods
Different testing methods provide different types of information:
Hair strand testing
offers a longer detection window and insight into patterns of use
Nail Testing
may be used when hair samples are unavailable or unsuitable
Blood Testing (PEth)
focuses on recent alcohol consumption
Urine Testing
provides short-term screening over days
Body hair testing is useful in cases where there is insufficient scalp hair. Body hair is similar to nail testing but it cannot be segmented. Both body hair and nail samples can be used to extend the period covered by the scalp hair, if the length of scalp hair available does not cover the period in question.
The choice of test depends on the timeframe and questions being considered. Our team can help explain which testing method may be most appropriate based on your circumstances.
How Hair Strand Testing Works
1.
Initial Enquiry
Contact Certis BioLabs to discuss your testing requirements.
2.
Test Arrangement
Our team confirms whether hair strand testing is suitable for the case..
3.
Sample Collection
A small hair sample is collected by trained, DBS-checked professionals following strict identification and chain-of-custody procedures.
4.
Laboratory Analysis
Samples are analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory partner using validated methods.
5.
Results and Reporting
Clear, court-compliant reports are issued, with expert interpretation available where required.
When Is Hair Strand Testing Used?
Hair strand testing is commonly used in situations such as:
Family law proceedings
Court-directed testing
Safeguarding cases involving children or vulnerable individuals
Matters where evidence of substance use across a specified timeframe is required
Our team can advise on whether hair strand testing is suitable based on the timeframe and purpose of the instruction.
Sample Collection
All samples arranged by Certis BioLabs are collected under strict chain-of-custody procedures to maintain forensic accuracy and evidential integrity from collection through to reporting.
Collections are carried out by trained professionals who understand the sensitivities of family law, safeguarding and court-directed testing, ensuring a discreet and respectful experience at every stage. We offer flexible nationwide collection options and clear guidance so clients know what to expect before, during and after their appointment.
Each sample is securely labelled, packaged and transported to our UKAS-accredited laboratory partner with full traceability maintained throughout. Our team supports clients and professionals to ensure collection arrangements meet case and court requirements.
Professional sample collection carried out with discretion and care.
Nationwide collection through trained, approved professionals.
Flexible appointments at approved collection locations.
Strict chain-of-custody ensures full traceability from sample to report.
Secure handling and UKAS laboratory analysis for court-ready results.
Reporting Options
We offer flexible reporting options to suit different needs and budgets.
Standard Report:
Testing specific substances as requested by the client.
Compound Screening:
In addition to the specified substances, a free indication of how many other compounds are present in the sample.
Compound Confirmation:
A detailed identification of substances detected within the sample. This option is available at an additional cost.
Our customer service team will guide you through each option to help you select the most appropriate and cost-effective reporting level for your situation.
Who we support
We provide hair strand testing for drugs and alcohol, supporting legal, safeguarding and private cases. Each test is supported by expert interpretation and presented in a clear, court-compliant report format.
Family law solicitors and barristers
Local authorities and safeguarding teams
Employers and healthcare providers
Members of the public seeking accurate answers
Why choose Certis BioLabs
Quality is at the heart of our work. When you choose us, you will get:
Rapid three-five working day turnaround and full chain-of-custody to ensure forensic accuracy
UKAS-accredited laboratory testing with evidential integrity
A strong safeguarding focus, informed by decades of forensic casework
Comprehensive reporting that aligns with High Court and Family Court rules
Full panel reporting options if you want to be alerted to the presence of drugs that weren’t originally requested
Competitive pricing with clear, transparent cost options
An enhanced service can provide access to an extensive library for testing novel psychoactive substances
A dedicated case manager who will guide you from start to finish
What our customers say
FAQs: All You Need to Know
How far back does a hair strand test detect drugs or alcohol?
Depending on the length of hair analysed, hair strand testing typically reflects substance use history over approximately up to 12 months.
Can hair strand testing be used in family law cases?
Yes. Hair strand testing is commonly used in family law and safeguarding proceedings where patterns of substance use over time need to be considered.
Is hair strand testing court-approved?
Reports are prepared to court-compliant formats and are based on analysis carried out by a UKAS-accredited laboratory partner.
How much hair is needed for testing?
Only a small sample of hair is required. Our team will explain the collection process and answer any questions beforehand.
Is hair strand testing analysed in a UKAS-accredited laboratory?
Yes. All analytical testing is carried out by a UKAS-accredited laboratory partner.
Get in touch
Lets talk
Contact us now on 01235 633040 and email testing@certis-biolabs.co.uk to discuss how we can support your drug, alcohol or DNA testing needs
Call us: 01235 633040
Email: testing@certis-biolabs.co.uk
Certis BioLabs
Address: Aspect House, The Quadrangle, Grove Business Park, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 9FA