Drug & Alcohol Testing
Laboratory testing in partnership with SLS (formerly Synlab).
- 2 hours Target callout time across mainland UK
- Lab-confirmed Accredited laboratory confirmation testing
- Nationwide Single or multi-site testing programmes
Professional drug & alcohol testing
COPE works in partnership with SLS (formerly Synlab), one of the UK’s leading workplace testing laboratories. Together, we provide professional drug and alcohol testing services supported by accredited laboratory confirmation testing and expert reporting.
By working directly through COPE, you benefit from a single point of contact and a fully managed service, while gaining access to industry-leading laboratory expertise.
Rapid support when concerns arise
When concerns arise, employers need to act quickly, fairly and confidently. Working in partnership with SLS, we can arrange testing as an urgent response or on a pre-planned basis. With a target callout time of 2 hours across mainland UK, experienced collection officers attend site using robust chain-of-custody procedures. Where an initial test is non-negative, laboratory confirmation testing is available through SLS’s accredited laboratory services. For Cause testing is commonly used when:
- There are concerns regarding an employee’s fitness for work
- Following a workplace incident or near miss
- Managers observe behaviour that may indicate impairment
- Reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol misuse exists
- Testing is required in line with company policy or safety-critical procedures
Robust, defensible results
A non-negative screening result does not automatically indicate a positive result. Non-negative samples can be referred to SLS for accredited laboratory confirmation testing — providing highly accurate, legally defensible results, reducing the risk of false positives and giving employers greater confidence when managing sensitive workplace situations.
Proactive testing programmes
A well-structured testing programme promotes workplace safety, reduces organisational risk and supports a culture of accountability. Through our partnership with SLS, we can support fully managed random and scheduled programmes — across single or multiple sites — with all non-negative results supported by laboratory confirmation testing and management reporting available. Random and scheduled testing is particularly beneficial for:
- Safety-critical environments where impairment could present significant risks
- Transport and logistics operations
- Manufacturing and engineering businesses
- Construction and infrastructure projects
- Utilities and energy providers
- Public sector and regulated organisations
Common questions about drug & alcohol testing
For Cause testing is typically used when there is reasonable suspicion that an employee may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol whilst at work. This may include situations where a manager has observed concerning behaviour, following a workplace incident or near miss, or where there are concerns about an employee’s fitness for work. Testing should always be carried out in line with your organisation’s drug and alcohol policy.
Through our partnership with SLS, we can provide a rapid response service with a target callout time of 2 hours across mainland UK for urgent For Cause testing requirements. Testing can also be arranged on a pre-planned basis where appropriate.
A non-negative screening result does not automatically indicate a positive result. Any non-negative samples can be referred for laboratory confirmation testing to provide a definitive outcome. This additional step helps ensure accuracy and supports fair, evidence-based decision-making for both employers and employees.
Yes. Whilst initial screening results are available quickly, non-negative results can be sent to SLS for laboratory confirmation testing. This provides a highly accurate and legally defensible result, reducing the risk of false positives and giving employers greater confidence when managing sensitive workplace situations.
Yes. We can support organisations operating from single or multiple locations across the UK. Whether you require testing at one site or as part of a nationwide programme, we can help coordinate a consistent and professional service.
Absolutely. We can work with your organisation to develop a workplace drug and alcohol testing programme that aligns with your operational requirements, workforce size and risk profile. This may include advice on testing frequencies, random testing arrangements, policy implementation and ongoing programme management.
Laboratory confirmation testing provides a more comprehensive analysis of non-negative samples and helps ensure results are accurate and defensible. This is particularly important where employment decisions or safety-critical roles may be affected by the outcome of a test.
Ready to give your people the right occupational health support?
Speak to our team about management referrals, health surveillance, wellbeing and more — or arrange a walkthrough of the COPE portal.