Blog

When is the best time to take a baby gender test?

Finding out you’re expecting a baby is often accompanied by excitement, curiosity, and many questions. One of the most common questions expectant parents ask is: when can I find out the sex of my baby? Traditionally, parents have had to wait for the foetal anatomy scan at around 18 weeks to learn their baby’s sex […]

DNA testing and IVF: reassurance, accuracy and peace of mind

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) has helped thousands of individuals and couples across Ireland build their families, offering hope where natural conception is not possible. The process is highly regulated and supported by rigorous laboratory procedures designed to protect patients, embryos and future children at every stage of treatment. This means that for most families, IVF […]

Anabolic steroid misuse and domestic abuse: Implications for Family Courts and safeguarding professionals

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are increasingly misused in Ireland, particularly among men using image- and performance-enhancing drugs. While steroid misuse is often discussed in terms of physical health risks, its potential behavioural impact is increasingly relevant in family law proceedings. For family law solicitors, barristers, and safeguarding professionals, this is especially relevant in cases involving: Allegations […]

COA Awareness Week 2026: Supporting children affected by parental alcohol misuse

For many children, home is a place of comfort and security. But for others, home is a place of uncertainty, where a parent’s drinking casts a long shadow over daily life. Running from 8-14 February, COA Awareness Week shines a light on the often-hidden struggles faced by Children of Alcoholics (COAs) – young people growing […]

Boy or girl? Debunking baby gender prediction myths

For as long as humans have been having babies, we’ve been fascinated by the question: is it a boy or a girl? Before modern-day scientific advancements, the only way to find out was to wait until the baby arrived. In the meantime, families would often turn to old wives’ tales or traditional beliefs in the […]

Can you get a paternity test while pregnant? Everything you need to know

Finding out that you’re expecting a baby can be one of life’s most emotional and transformative experiences. But for some, the excitement of pregnancy can be accompanied by uncertainty, especially if you’re not sure who the baby’s father is. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Many […]

Unexpected results: Street drug contamination and poly drug use

As a leading provider of ISO 17025-accredited, legally-instructed drug testing, we are frequently asked to explain how a sample donor could test positive for a substance they claim never to have used. These queries are increasingly common, particularly in family law cases where drug testing is used to assess parenting capacity, monitor abstinence, or confirm […]

Dry January 2026: Why taking a break from alcohol matters

Many people choose to start a new year with a renewed focus on health and wellbeing. One increasingly popular way to do this is by taking part in Dry January – an international campaign that encourages people to take a break from alcohol for 31 days. First launched in the UK in 2013, Dry January […]

DNA testing and family dynamics: Preparing for the emotional impact of results

DNA testing can offer clarity and answers in situations where uncertainty has lingered – particularly when it comes to family relationships. Whether it’s a paternity or prenatal paternity test to confirm biological parentage, or a sibling test to establish a shared connection, the results can bring up sensitive issues that may affect family dynamics. Being […]