The family law drug, alcohol and DNA testing process involves multiple parties but, usually, when it comes to testing, the focus is on the service user who is providing a sample.
As with anyone involved in a legal case, a duty of care must be upheld, ensuring dignity and objectivity throughout. At Lextox, we take this commitment extremely seriously and have processes in place at every stage to safeguard the service users we work with.
Sample collection appointments booked directly with a Lextox client manager
Once testing has been instructed, your dedicated client manager will liaise with the service user directly to arrange sample collection. We understand that this may be a difficult time for most and there is likely to be resistance, but your client manager has vast experience dealing with service users in a variety of circumstances. This means they know how to approach the situation with empathy and will provide clear guidance to the individual. During this phone call the client manager will also check that the collection will take place at a safe location where the service user feels comfortable.
As your client manager is your single point of contact throughout, the service user will also only ever deal with that person, eliminating the need for a third party and the likelihood of excess stress.
Reassurance from the start
When a Lextox collector arrives to take a sample, they will do everything they can to ensure the service user feels at ease and safe. Each collector carries photographic ID, which they will show when they arrive, and check that the environment is suitable for a collection to take place.
Robust chain of custody procedures
The chain of custody process is an integral part of the testing process and means the results can be used in family court. It is a requirement during this stage to ask personal questions such as the service user’s sex at birth, any medications they are taking and if they have consumed any drugs or alcohol. We appreciate that these are sensitive questions but our collectors always approach this with empathy and professionalism. It’s vital that this information is recorded as it aids the interpretation of results.
As part of this process, the collector will also check the service user’s photographic ID, if they have any, and also take a photo to confirm who the sample is being collected from. The service user is also required to provide written consent to confirm they have understood and are happy to move forward with the collection. Additionally, all samples will be packaged and labelled in front of them for full transparency. If they have any questions, they are encouraged to ask their collector who will be more than happy to talk them through the process until they are happy to proceed.
Empathetic drug, alcohol and DNA sample collections
All Lextox collectors follow safe sample collection procedures so before any collections take place, the collector will fully outline the process and how much hair, blood, oral fluid or nails need to be collected. For DrugPatch fittings, SCRAM fittings and Breath Test set up, the collector will also thoroughly explain the process so the service user feels fully informed and confident in the process.
Scalp hair collections
Using clean scissors to prevent contamination, the sample is cut as close to the scalp as possible, ensuring sufficient hair is collected for analysis. Great care is taken during this process and the collector will do their best to minimise cosmetic impact.
Nail collections
For this type of collection, the service user will cut their own nails using sterilised nail clippers, ensuring the integrity of the sample. They will be guided through this by the Lextox sample collector.
Blood collection
Lextox always recommends the service user is well hydrated before the collection takes place as it makes the blood draw more comfortable. For PEth testing, we also have the option of a finger prick testing for those who are needle-phobic, which is less invasive and a quicker process.
DNA collection
For DNA samples, the sample collector will be required to rub two cotton bud swabs on the inside of the cheeks, near the back teeth, from the donor. This is a non-invasive procedure and we do recommend the donor doesn’t eat, drink, smoke or chew gum 30 minutes prior to the sample collection. This is because food particles and residues risk contaminating the DNA sample and also make it more difficult to extract a usable DNA profile.
Post-results support
Once analysis has taken place in our quality assured laboratories and results are issued, some service users may have queries over the results. While our experts will only communicate via a legal representative, they will always provide answers to any questions you and your client may have.
Speak to the team
If you have any questions on how drug, alcohol and DNA testing impacts service users, or would like more information on how to instruct testing, the team are ready and waiting to help. Simply call 029 2048 4141 or email experts@lextox.co.uk
This article was submitted by Lextox as part of an advertising agreement with Today’s Family Lawyer. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertisder and not those of Today’s Family Lawyer.
