
Momentum builds for reform in hair strand testing practices
Since its establishment in 2009, Forensic Testing Service (FTS) has advocated an end to the use of Society of Hair Strand Testing cut-off levels in hair strand testing for the family courts. Our posit...

Use of cut-off levels: the wellbeing of families hangs in the balance
Several inaccurate and misleading claims have been made recently in support of the use of cut-off levels in hair strand testing. “Cut-off levels always exist, whether we want them to or not,” was ...

Why we think cut-off levels are inappropriate for the family courts
Why we think cut-off levels are inappropriate for the family courts
Recent debate on the limitations of The Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) cut-off levels has prompted concerning remarks from industry...

Emerging Drug Trends in the UK: Testing for new substances in the family courts
According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS) there were “5,448 deaths related to drug poisoning registered in England and Wales in 2023 - the highest number since records began in 1993 and 1...

How hair strand testing supports the Public Law Outline (PLO) process
Central to many childcare proceedings is the use of forensic testing to determine patterns of drug or alcohol use by a parent. Public Law Outline (PLO) proceedings aim to resolve such cases swiftly, w...

Setting the Standard in Sample Collections
At Forensic Testing Service (FTS), we take pride in delivering expert forensic toxicology services across the UK. Our commitment to accuracy, reliability, and professionalism is underpinned by a highl...