Education and youth services
Protecting students, safeguarding communities and supporting education professionals with accurate, reliable employment testing and substance use insight.
About our testing
At Cansford Labs, we know that navigating drug and alcohol concerns in education settings requires sensitivity, clarity, and professionalism. Whether you are responding to a specific incident, supporting a pupil with agreed monitoring, or seeking reassurance for staff and governors, our testing services provide the scientific evidence you need without unnecessary complexity.
Our laboratory and point-of-care testing options are designed to fit the unique needs of schools, colleges and universities. We can detect recent or historical drug and alcohol use, helping you make informed decisions that prioritise safety, fairness and wellbeing.
Across UK schools and universities, substance‑use concerns are becoming increasingly visible. National data shows that 13% of secondary pupils have taken drugs and teachers are also witnessing the impact directly, with 19% reporting cannabis use on school premises, alongside cases involving ketamine, cocaine, spice and nitrous oxide.
Rising concerns continue into higher education, where 21% of university students report current drug use, and wider national surveys show that 76% of students have used drugs during their time at university.
These trends highlight the need for clearer, reliable insight to help education providers strengthen safeguarding, protect wellbeing and respond proactively to emerging risks.
Faster results, clearer insight:
We test for an extensive and ever-growing range of substances, including alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription medications and steroids. Depending on the method used, our testing can provide insight into recent use or patterns of use over time.
This allows employers to understand risk without making assumptions or judgements, supporting fair, evidence-based decision-making.
All testing is carried out with discretion, professionalism and a clear focus on accuracy.
Hair strand testing
This test provides clear insights into drug use over an indefinite period, while alcohol use can be detected for up to six months. Our segmented analysis reveals patterns over time, providing deeper insight.
Tests are able to detect a wide range of substances with just a small hair sample, it’s quick, non-invasive, and highly accurate.
PEth testing
This test detects alcohol use over the past month with unmatched sensitivity. We now include blood EtG in all PEth tests, which
reveals alcohol intake in the last 2–3 days.
Using a quick and painless dry blood spot test, we eliminate the need for venous blood collection, making the process faster, easier, and just as reliable.
Nail testing
This test provides a detailed, long-term view of drug and alcohol use, detecting substances for up to 6 months, and works by analysing substances trapped in the keratin as the nail grows.
We test for a wide range of drugs, as well as alcohol, offering a reliable alternative when hair testing isn’t possible.
DNA testing
DNA testing provides a fast, reliable way to confirm biological relationships, such as paternity, maternity, or sibling connections.
We use a simple, painless cheek swab to collect DNA, with results available in just a few days. Whether for peace of mind or official matters, DNA testing delivers clear, conclusive answers.
CDT testing
This detects heavy alcohol intake over the past 2-4 weeks by measuring Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin, a biomarker affected by sustained alcohol use.
CDT is tested through a venous blood sample and despite being an indicator for regular high alcohol intake, it is most effective when combined with other tests.
Innovation and integrity:
We deliver 100% of test results within 3 working days of receipt of the sample, faster than any other UK laboratory. Quotes are provided over the phone, and in many cases we can arrange a collection within 48 hours.
These efficient processes allow you to act quickly, reduce uncertainty and manage risk with confidence
Expert support at every stage:
We support you from the first conversation through to reporting and beyond. Sample collection can be carried out by your own trained staff, or arranged through our nationwide network of professional collectors.
Our collectors operate across the UK and are trained to deliver a discreet, respectful experience, whether samples are collected at a workplace, clinic or home address.
Our team is always available to answer questions, provide guidance on test selection and support you where results need to be explained in formal settings such as disciplinary hearings or tribunals.
