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Confirming identical twins with AlphaBiolabs For Claudia Contreras and her husband, finding out they were expecting twins was a life-changing moment. Already parents to their son Luca, age 9, the news of twins – which came at the 14-week ultrasound scan – wasn’t something they expected. “I was in shock – a mix of disbelief […]
Blog
Hair drug and alcohol testing in children: AlphaBiolabs’ approach to safeguarding and scientific integrity
Toxicology testing plays a crucial role in safeguarding and family court cases, especially when concerns arise about a child’s exposure to drugs or alcohol. Hair testing is especially useful, offering a longer detection window than other methods and helping to build a clearer picture of the child’s environment over time. However, children’s samples require extra […]
International FASD Day 2025: Raising awareness and supporting recovery
Each year on the 9th day of the 9th month, the world recognises International FASD Day – a powerful reminder of the importance of going alcohol-free for the nine months of pregnancy. In Ireland, September is also FASD Awareness Month, dedicated to shining a light on Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and celebrating the resilience […]
Non-standard drugs: the hidden threat in parenting assessments
Drug and alcohol misuse remains a frequent factor in family law proceedings, directly impacting assessments of parenting capacity, safeguarding, and contact arrangements. Standard drug testing panels are designed to detect the most commonly misused substances – such as opiates, cocaine and cannabis. However, an increasing number of family law cases involve non-standard drugs: substances not […]
International Overdose Awareness Day 2025: One big family, driven by hope
Held annually on 31 August, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) aims to raise awareness of overdose, challenge the stigma surrounding drug-related deaths, and remember those who have lost their lives to overdose. Founded in 2001 and led by the Australian not-for-profit Pennington Institute, IOAD is the world’s largest campaign to prevent overdose. It encourages open […]
Alcohol testing: a guide to test types and detection windows
The length of time alcohol can be detected in the body depends on the type of sample being tested and the method of analysis. While a roadside breath test can show whether someone is currently over the legal drink-drive limit, laboratory tests can reveal whether alcohol has been consumed weeks or even months earlier. Understanding […]
Home paternity testing: a complete guide
We understand that deciding to take a paternity test can feel like a big step. You might be looking for clarity, reassurance, or simply peace of mind. Whatever your situation, you’re not alone – and getting answers doesn’t have to be complicated. A home paternity test is a fast, accurate and completely non-invasive way to […]
Cocaine on the rise in Ireland: what latest report says about women and addiction
Cocaine use is rising in Ireland – and women are increasingly affected. According to the latest report from the Rutland Centre – one of Ireland’s leading residential addiction treatment centres – the number of clients using cocaine rose by almost 40% in just one year. And women now make up over a third of those […]
Understanding DNA markers: a helpful guide
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the fundamental blueprint of life, carrying the genetic information that makes each of us unique. In the context of relationship testing, DNA holds the answers to some of life’s most sensitive and important questions – from confirming paternity to verifying other family connections. Central to DNA relationship testing are DNA markers. […]
Court-admissible Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity (NIPP) testing: a complete guide for Irish family law cases
Uncertainty surrounding a child’s paternity can cause significant complications in Family Law Court. In cases involving safeguarding, child maintenance, or guardianship, the absence of clear paternity can delay critical decisions, complicate care planning, and heighten tensions between parties. Whilst standard paternity DNA tests are now well understood and frequently used in the legal sector, many […]