Drug, Alcohol and DNA Testing
A testing service designed specifically for Family Law and Child Care Proceedings
Forensic Testing Service Ltd was founded in 2009 and has its own accredited laboratory in West Yorkshire. We have developed a model of best practice, which is specifically designed for testing in the Family Courts.
Did you know that natural hair colour affects the concentration of Codeine and many other substances found during hair strand testing?
This can mean that somebody with dark hair is more likely to test positive than somebody with light coloured hair.
Learn more about FTS Model of Best Practice.
FTS’ approach to drug and alcohol testing is fundamentally different to our competitors as we report all findings, even if traces of drugs and/or alcohol are found at a low level. In addition, we undertake a forensic investigation in every case, which involves us completing a detailed client questionnaire about all factors that could influence our findings.
We have revolutionised the testing process, so that much of the drug and / or alcohol abuse that presently goes undetected, including the growing number of new synthetic drugs such as synthetic cannabinoids like ”spice”, can now be detected and reported for all cases.
Our approach to drug and alcohol testing is fundamentally unique. This is because our analysis consists of a detailed forensic investigation, and not just a simple ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ result.
FTS’ results, interpretations and expert reports are designed specifically to provide a standard of proof and accuracy that is essential in the field of Family Law. Our experts carefully analyse each individual case, along with all contextual information, which includes but is not limited to, critical factors such as donor hair colour, passive exposure risk, hair treatment and prescribed medications.
We report on ALL findings, not just the presence of compounds above or below the Society of Hair Testing cut-off levels, enabling us to provide the most comprehensive expert reports in the industry, as well as the only reports that provide the necessary burden of proof for the family court.
FTS is the leading provider of court approved testing in family law cases.
We work closely with local authorities and social services to ensure the best outcomes for those most vulnerable.
Expert analysis and interpretation of test data has helped get the best possible outcome in court proceedings. Read our case studies to find out more.
What do our customers think?
We used FTS on a unique alcohol testing case and the whole process from start to finish was excellent. The guidance before the instruction was really helpful in deciding what we should be looking for, the bespoke Part 25 went down a treat with the Court and the quality of the final report was outstanding. The evidence provided by FTS was significant assistance in concluding the proceedings in a timely way as there was no doubt about the alcohol usage by the parent in question. This was our first instruction but it certainly won’t be our last!
I have used FTS for some 4 years now, consider them as part of our team and I am happy to recommend them, they add value to our cases by using their experience and expertise to provide reports in which results are considered in context of all potential influences and provide an opinion on the findings. Funding is not an issue with our legal aid cases, we provide a copy of the court order to FTS and they indemnify us against any shortfall in funding and we don’t pay FTS until we have been reimbursed by the LAA.
The presentation on Wednesday was extremely well received and the subject matter of much discussion in the advocates room at Court
I have been very impressed with your fast turn around and also the clarity of your reports.