Independent testing for employers, courts and families
Workplace drug and alcohol testing, medico-legal testing and DNA relationship testing — one professional standard. Belfast and Dublin, since 1990.
Detection windows
How far back can a test see?
Different samples hold different histories. Choose a sample type to see the approximate period it can cover.
Head hair grows at roughly one centimetre a month, so each centimetre holds about one month of history. A standard three-centimetre sample reads the last three months; longer samples can extend to around six.
Detection windows are indicative. Actual detection depends on the substance, the dose, the frequency and pattern of use, individual metabolism and sample quality — talk to us about your case. Read more about how hair follicle testing works.
Technology
Modern testing, digitally delivered
Instant digital reports
Results issued as secure digital reports the moment they are ready — no waiting on the post.
Quotes and fee notes online in minutes
Solicitors and social workers can get a costed quote and fee note for approval in about five minutes.
Secure by design
Chain-of-custody tracking and GDPR-compliant handling from collection through to reporting.
Workplace
Workplace drug and alcohol testing
- Pre-employment, random, for-cause and post-incident testing
- On-site collection across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including oral fluid testing
- Policy development — build a tailored drug and alcohol policy online in minutes
Court and Care
Testing for courts and care proceedings
- Hair, nail, blood and urine testing under chain of custody
- Instructed by solicitors and social workers
- Fee notes for Legal Aid and financial approval — generated online
DNA
DNA relationship testing
- Most often instructed by Trusts, social workers and solicitors for care proceedings
- Paternity, siblingship and extended family testing — up to 68 DNA markers
- Also available privately, to the same professional standard
Private clients
Private drug and alcohol testing
- Hair, nail, blood and urine testing arranged in a personal capacity
- Private pre-employment tests — when a new employer requires a drug test before you start
- The same professional collection and chain-of-custody standard as every NIVHA test
If your result may be used in family proceedings, we recommend instructing through a solicitor — we can guide you.
Where we work
Based in Belfast and Dublin, working anywhere
Our Belfast collection centre, appointments in Dublin city centre, collections in Derry~Londonderry, and on-site teams covering the whole island. For clients operating beyond Ireland, we arrange testing across Europe and further afield.
- Belfast Unit 1B Concourse 1 Catalyst, Queens Road, BT3 9DT · 02890 737942
- Dublin City centre appointments — or we come to you · Testing in the Republic of Ireland
- Derry~Londonderry Sample collections by appointment
- Nationwide On-site collection teams travel anywhere on the island — including the Republic of Ireland
- International Testing across Europe and further afield, arranged on request
Information hub
Common questions, answered plainly
How far back can a hair follicle test detect drug use?
Head hair grows at roughly one centimetre per month, so each centimetre of hair reflects around one month of history. A standard three-centimetre sample covers approximately three months of drug use.
Can the results be used in court?
Our samples are collected under strict chain-of-custody procedures and analysed by ISO 17025 accredited laboratories, producing reports prepared for use in court and care proceedings. Whether evidence is admitted is always for the court to decide.
What is a fee note, and is it the same as a quote?
Yes. A fee note is an itemised, written quote for testing. Solicitors use it to seek legal aid approval, social workers and Trusts use it to raise a purchase order, and private clients use it to see the full cost before they book. You can get one online in about five minutes.