Blog

Narrow-window drug tests – which test is best for child welfare matters?

In child welfare and protection cases, drug testing plays a crucial role in safeguarding vulnerable children, with social workers and local authorities relying on drug testing to inform care decisions. Two of the most used drug testing methods for such cases are oral fluid (saliva) testing and urine drug testing. While both tests have their […]

Understanding hair drug test reports – a comprehensive guide

Hair drug testing – also known as hair strand or hair follicle testing – is an extremely valuable tool for legal professionals, social workers and local authorities working on child welfare and protection cases, and is widely used for determining patterns of drug use. However, interpreting a hair drug test report requires more than simply […]

The many benefits of oral fluid drug testing for legal matters

For legal professionals, social workers and local authorities handling child welfare and custody arrangements, accurate, reliable and cost-effective drug testing is essential. While hair and nail testing provide valuable insights into historic drug use, they cannot be used to detect very recent consumption. This makes oral fluid drug testing the ideal solution where timely decisions […]

Prenatal Paternity Testing: supporting child welfare cases

In child welfare and family court cases, establishing paternity at the earliest possible stage can be crucial for effective decision-making. Social workers are responsible for ensuring that the best decisions are made for a child’s welfare. In cases where paternity is unclear, prenatal paternity testing can provide the legally recognised evidence needed to support early […]

International Day of Women and Girls in Science: celebrating women in STEM

Founded by the United Nations, and celebrated every year on 11 February, International Day of Women and Girls in Science, serves as a reminder of the important role that women and girls play in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), with the aim of promoting equality for women and girls in STEM. […]

International COA Awareness Week 2025: Supporting children impacted by parents’ drinking

Every February, International COA Awareness Week highlights the experiences of Children of Alcoholics (COAs), with the aim of raising awareness and understanding for children who’ve been impacted by a parent’s drinking. Founded by The National Association for Children of Alcoholics, and running from 9-15 February, International COA Week is dedicated to amplifying the voices of […]

Fast, accurate Drug, Alcohol & DNA testing

From professional sample collection to analysis, and timely delivery of Expert Reports, AlphaBiolabs has over 20 years’ experience providing drug, alcohol and DNA testing services for the legal sector. In this blog, we explore what makes AlphaBiolabs the go-to provider of laboratory testing services in support of family cases, including child welfare and protection matters. […]

AlphaBiolabs: Ireland’s No.1 DNA testing laboratory for legal matters

DNA testing plays a critical role in the legal sector, offering irrefutable proof of biological relationships in support of child welfare cases, custody disputes, inheritance disputes, and more. At AlphaBiolabs, we understand the weight of this responsibility. Since 2004, we have been providing the most advanced DNA test offering in Ireland, including sample collection, analysis, […]

How to choose the right DNA test: a comprehensive guide

DNA testing has become an essential tool for uncovering truths about relationships, ancestry, and health. Whether you’re seeking answers for personal reasons, legal matters, or medical purposes, choosing the right DNA test is a critical step in achieving your goals. With a wide array of DNA tests available, understanding the differences between them can feel […]

Alcohol testing: what you need to know

Alcohol testing plays a crucial role in court, providing an essential part of the evidential picture when it comes to identifying chronic and excessive alcohol consumption or proof of abstinence. This is especially important where the safeguarding of children is paramount, enabling counsel to act on urgent welfare needs, or allowing families to remain together […]