Alcohol Testing
Reliable Alcohol Testing with Expert Interpretation
Forensic Testing Service (FTS) provides court-approved alcohol testing to support child safeguarding, family court proceedings and care-related investigations. We use a combination of sample types, alcohol biomarkers and expert interpretation to assess excessive alcohol consumption over weeks and months.
Our testing is fully court-admissible, carried out in our UKAS accredited laboratories, and interpreted by qualified forensic toxicologists. Whether you are involved in a child custody case or a safeguarding matter, we provide the most detailed reports on the market to support informed, fair decisions.
Sample Types
We offer several sample types for alcohol testing. Our team will advise you on the most appropriate combination based on your case.
Alcohol Testing
Tests for EtG (ethyl glucuronide) and EtPa (ethyl palmitate) to assess patterns of excessive alcohol use over the past 3 to 6 months. Often used in family court or care proceedings to assess long-term behaviour.
Nail Alcohol Testing
Provides a similar detection window to hair testing. Suitable when head hair is not available or appropriate.
Urine Alcohol Testing
Urine testing for EtG* detects short-term consumption, typically up to 4 days. Often used when total abstinence needs to be verified.
*A urine test for EtG is also included where it is necessary to establish complete abstinence from drinking.
Blood Alcohol Testing
Blood tests provide insight into recent and chronic drinking behaviour using the following indirect alcohol biomarkers:
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
- Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin (CDT)
- Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase to CDT ratio (GGT-CDTr)
- Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
Our Laboratory
All alcohol testing is conducted in our UKAS accredited laboratory based in West Yorkshire. As UKAS Testing Laboratory No. 7550, we operate to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards, ensuring results are reliable, defensible and fully compliant with legal requirements.
Sample Collection
We offer flexible and secure nationwide sample collection. FTS is the only testing provider with its own fleet of mobile collection vans, meaning we can meet clients at a safe, discreet and convenient location.
We can also arrange collections at the client’s home, prisons, hospitals or within local authority or legal premises. All collections follow a documented chain of custody process and are managed by trained professionals to maintain integrity and minimise disruption.
Expert Reports
Every report is reviewed and signed by a qualified forensic toxicologist and includes detailed interpretation of the findings. We provide context around substance use, consider possible variables, and explain what the results mean for your case.
Where needed, our experts can provide written statements and appear in court.
Why Choose FTS for Your Alcohol Testing?
We do not simplify results or withhold findings. Every case deserves the full picture.
UKAS Accredited In-House Laboratory
Testing carried out in a UK-based laboratory in operating full compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
Expert Interpretation by Forensic Toxicologists
All results analysed and interpreted by qualified forensic toxicologists.
Court-Ready Expert Reports
Reports provide full forensic interpretation of findings, written for use in family court proceedings.
Experience in Complex Cases
Established expertise in non-routine cases, including testing involving newborns and children.
Extensive Drug Testing Panels
Access to the largest UKAS accredited hair drug testing panel in the UK, including a range of new psychoactive substances.
Unique Accredited Capabilities
The only provider accredited to test for pregabalin and gabapentin.
Discreet National Sample Collection
A dedicated fleet of mobile collection clinics operating nationwide.
Expert Witness Support
Independent expert witness and toxicological support available when required.
Notify and Report Service
A targeted testing approach designed to manage costs when substances of concern are unclear.
News & Insights
What Our Customers Say
FAQ
How do you define excessive drinking?
FTS defines excessive drinking as an average of more than 60 units per week for men and more than 55 units for women. This is based on WHO guidance and reflects patterns of drinking likely to impact health or child safety.
Does alcohol testing show exactly when alcohol was consumed?
No. Alcohol testing shows patterns of use over time depending on the test type. Hair and nail testing provide long-term patterns, while urine and blood show recent use.
What are the effects of hair treatments on test results?
Bleaching, dyeing or use of thermal hair straighteners and other heated styling products can affect drug retention in hair and create potentially misleading results if not contextualised. When Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) cut-off levels are applied to results, someone with black hair is also more likely to test positive for some substances than someone with blonde or ginger hair.
Our reports account for hair styling or treatments and explain their potential impact on accuracy. FTS also never uses SoHT cut-off levels, instead reporting all findings and explaining their significance, as we are required to do by the Courts.
Are there medical conditions that affect drug absorption?
Yes. Besides hair colour, pregnancy, BMI and certain medical conditions and medications can affect the level of drugs found. Our toxicologists consider these factors when reporting results.
Is there a correlation between alcohol test levels and how much alcohol was consumed?
Higher levels typically indicate heavier and more consistent drinking. Our experts will explain the significance of all findings in each case.
Does alcohol pass through breast milk?
Yes. Alcohol can be present in breast milk shortly after alcohol is consumed. We can provide bespoke guidance where testing is required during breastfeeding.
Not sure which test is right for your case?
Speak to our team for expert advice and a fast, clear quote.
General Enquiries
Call: 01924 480272
Email: expert@forensic-testing.co.uk
Office Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 08:30 – 17:30
Out of hours message service available