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Alcohol and drug testing questions and answers

  • Which parts of the UK do you cover?

    We support organisations large and small in a range of different sectors across the whole of the UK. We are also very happy to work with international companies that have bases outside the UK.

  • How experienced are the Lemon Cherry team?

    With more than two decades of experience in drug and alcohol testing, and coming from a background in statutory authority evidential practice, our experts have a unique insight into the entire process including policy creation, testing procedures, and results analysis. We work with business owners, HR managers and health and safety leads across many different sectors to manage this process efficiently, accurately, and cost effectively.

  • What testing equipment do you use?

    We use a best-in-class, Home Office-approved, fully calibrated and tamper-proof drug and alcohol testing system, and we are one of the very few screening suppliers in the UK who have invested in this state-of-the-art equipment, which provides a full audit trail. There is no need to take urine samples from your staff, which most people find embarrassing, inconvenient and time-consuming – our workplace oral fluid (saliva) tests are quick and easy, with instant positive/negative results that can be printed out there and then.

  • Why do you use oral fluid (saliva) testing?

    We are able to provide a full range of methodologies, including blood, hair, saliva and urine, to best suit your particular needs. We favour oral fluid (or saliva) for point-of-care testing for drugs and alcohol, over urine testing, as the samples can be more easily supervised with less chance of contamination, tampering, or embarrassment for the person providing the sample, plus they are faster. Our state-of-the-art equipment means you’ll receive instant positive/negative results, and positive samples can then be quickly confirmed using a laboratory test. Saliva testing is a versatile way to detect drug use immediately or up to 48 hours later, making it ideal for both random testing and for testing over long periods. It can be applied for random drug screening; daily testing of people under supervision; and to provide complementary evidence for hair tests. Screening technologies are constantly changing and, while we recommend using the best, most up to date and cost-effective system, we can also maintain your current methodology if preferred.

  • Do you have your own products and labs?

    We are fully independent and are not tied to any particular products or labs, giving us full flexibility. This means you can trust us to be impartial, use the most up-to-date equipment (unlike many other screening providers), and source the quickest possible turnaround on tests from a variety of laboratories – which is usually faster than using a company that has its own labs.

  • Can you help me create a drug and alcohol testing policy?

    Yes, we can share some sample policies with you, and give you guidance and advice on drafting a policy from scratch, or reviewing an existing policy, to ensure it ticks all the boxes needed to ensure your organisation and workforce are compliant with relevant regulations, and that your policy is as effective as possible.

  • Can you help my company with COVID-19 testing?

    We are able to assist our clients by supplying COVID-19 lateral flow and PCR tests, but as the rules and regulations are in flux, we’d recommend that you contact us by ringing 01964 503773 or email info@lemoncherry.co.uk and we can discuss how we can tailor our service to best meet your needs.

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