Blood alcohol testing
Court-admissible blood alcohol testing, often used alongside hair alcohol testing, with nationwide sample collection locations across the UK.
Blood alcohol testing is commonly requested for family court proceedings, solicitor instructions and other legal matters. It measures recognised blood biomarkers associated with alcohol consumption and is typically used alongside a hair alcohol test to provide a more complete picture of alcohol intake. Our experienced team will guide you from booking through to receiving your laboratory report.
- Court-admissible laboratory reports
- Usually performed alongside a hair alcohol test
- Nationwide sample collection locations and mobile services
- Results typically available within 3–5 working days after the sample reaches the laboratory
Speak to our team to arrange your blood alcohol test.
Who is blood alcohol testing for?
Blood alcohol testing is commonly requested where objective laboratory evidence of alcohol consumption is required, particularly for legal and family proceedings.
- Family court proceedings
- Solicitor instructions
- Social Services assessments
- Private individuals requiring laboratory evidence of alcohol consumption
Blood alcohol testing is often requested alongside a hair alcohol test to provide a more complete assessment of both recent and longer-term alcohol consumption.
How much does a blood alcohol test cost?
- From £516 (includes hair alcohol analysis)
- Expert Witness Statement available (+£186)
- All prices include VAT
Results are typically available within 3–5 working days after the sample reaches the laboratory.
How blood alcohol testing works
Blood alcohol testing is a straightforward process from booking your appointment to receiving your laboratory report. Every sample is collected under strict chain of custody procedures and analysed by an accredited laboratory to provide reliable results.
Step 1 – Arrange your appointment
Contact our team to book your appointment at one of our nationwide sample collection locations or request a mobile collection service.
Step 2 – Blood sample collection
A trained phlebotomist will collect your blood sample under strict chain of custody procedures to ensure the integrity of your results.
Step 3 – Laboratory analysis
Your sample is analysed for recognised alcohol-related blood markers, including MCV, CDT and Liver Function Tests (LFTs).
Step 4 – Receive your results
Your laboratory report is usually available within 3–5 working days after your sample reaches the laboratory.
Our experienced team will guide you through each stage of the process and explain your results.
What does a blood alcohol test measure?
Blood alcohol testing analyses recognised laboratory markers that provide valuable information about alcohol consumption and its effects on the body. These markers are assessed together to help clinicians, solicitors and the courts interpret objective laboratory evidence.
- Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) – measures the average size of red blood cells. Persistent excessive alcohol consumption can increase MCV beyond the normal range.
- Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin (CDT) – a recognised biomarker of chronic excessive alcohol consumption. Elevated CDT levels are associated with sustained heavy drinking over the previous 2–3 weeks.
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs) – assess enzymes and proteins produced by the liver. Abnormal results may indicate liver damage or inflammation associated with prolonged excessive alcohol consumption.
Blood alcohol testing is interpreted alongside clinical information and, where appropriate, a hair alcohol test to provide a more complete assessment of alcohol use.
Want to understand how blood alcohol markers are interpreted? Read our detailed technical guide.
Book a blood alcohol test near you
We offer nationwide blood alcohol testing through our UK network of sample collection locations, with mobile sample collection appointments also available where appropriate.
Blood alcohol testing is commonly arranged alongside a hair alcohol test for court proceedings, solicitor instructions and private clients who require a more complete assessment of alcohol use.
Appointments are available at convenient sample collection locations, or our team can discuss the most suitable option based on your circumstances.
Contact our team today to arrange your blood alcohol test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do blood alcohol test results take?
Blood alcohol test results are typically available within 3–5 working days after the sample reaches the laboratory. If you require your results urgently, please contact our team before booking.
Is blood alcohol testing suitable for court proceedings?
Yes. Blood alcohol testing is commonly used for family court proceedings, solicitor instructions, and other legal matters where objective laboratory evidence of alcohol consumption is required.
Where can I have a blood alcohol test?
We offer blood alcohol testing through our nationwide network of sample collection locations across the UK. Depending on your location and circumstances, mobile sample collection appointments may also be available.
What does a blood alcohol test measure?
Blood alcohol testing analyses recognised laboratory markers, including MCV, CDT and Liver Function Tests (LFTs), which can provide valuable information about alcohol consumption and its effects on the body.
Why is blood alcohol testing often carried out alongside a hair alcohol test?
Blood alcohol testing and hair alcohol testing provide different information about alcohol consumption. They are often requested together to provide a more comprehensive assessment than either test alone.
Do I need a solicitor to arrange a blood alcohol test?
No. Private individuals can arrange a blood alcohol test directly with us. If your solicitor has requested the test, our team will ensure the correct testing process and reporting requirements are followed.
Arrange your blood alcohol test today
- Court-admissible laboratory testing
- Confidential, professional service
- Nationwide sample collection locations
Our team will guide you through the process and arrange your blood alcohol test at a convenient time and sample collection location. Where appropriate, we'll also advise whether blood alcohol testing should be carried out alongside a hair alcohol test.