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Mathew Wade

Toxicologist

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How Long Do Drugs Stay in the Body?

Published 15/10/2025

When drug testing evidence is presented in family court, timing matters as much as detection. A result showing that a substance was found doesn’t necessarily prove recent use, or even deliberate use, yet those distinctions can have major implications in care proceedings. That’s why understanding how long drugs stay in the body, and how different testing matrices tell different stories, is crucial for family lawyers, social workers, and local authorities alike.

What Makes a Test Legally Defensible in Court?

Published 26/08/2025

In family law and legal disputes, drug, alcohol, and DNA testing can play a pivotal role in determining outcomes. But not all tests are created equal. While some tests may detect substances or establish biological relationships, they may not meet the strict legal requirements to be admissible in court.

Do Urine and Oral Fluid Drug Testing Have a Role in Child Law Proceedings?

Published 04/08/2025

In child law proceedings, establishing recent substance misuse can be critical to safeguarding decisions. While long-term drug use is often assessed using hair or nail tests, there are cases where a more immediate snapshot is necessary. This is where urine and oral fluid (saliva) drug testing—often referred to as "narrow window" testing—can play a vital role.

Hair vs Nail Testing: Which is Better for Long-Term Drug and Alcohol Detection?

Published 01/08/2025

When it comes to detecting drug and alcohol use over extended periods, both hair strand testing and nail testing (fingernails and toenails) offer unique advantages. These biological matrices are commonly used in legal, social care, and clinical settings to provide insights into an individual’s substance use history. But which method is more suitable—and in what contexts?

The Role of Alcohol Biomarkers in Family Law

Published 05/02/2025

In family law proceedings, alcohol testing plays a vital role in ensuring fair and informed decisions. From custody disputes to compliance monitoring, understanding how alcohol biomarkers function can provide clarity in complex cases. Key biomarkers like PEth, ETG, and CDT offer insight into drinking patterns, ranging from chronic excessive consumption to occasional social drinking.

What is a Toxicology Report and What it Shows

Published 24/01/2025

Substances like drugs, alcohol, or toxins can and do impact the health and mental health of an individual. We can confidently comprehend substance use thanks to toxicology and, more importantly, toxicology reports. They have significance in a variety of scenarios, particularly in family law cases involving child custody and child support cases. In family law, toxicology reports can highlight drug and alcohol abuse that might directly impact the care and well-being of a child.

Does Ketamine Appear on Drug Tests? Everything You Need to Know - AttoLife

Published 21/01/2025

Ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic, is becoming a more popular drug in the UK thanks to the party culture. And to answer the question does ketamine show in drug tests? - yes, it does. In 2023, usage among people aged 16-24 in England and Wales increased to 3.8% up from only 0.9% in 2006-2007.

Drug and Alcohol Testing for Family Law

Published 14/01/2025

Mathew Wade is a forensic toxicologist and lab manager at AttoLife. When it comes to drug and alcohol lab testing, Mat is a pro at examining the evidence and writing reports that can be used in the justice system.

Cocaine: Are Your Children Exposed?

Published 14/01/2025

Drugs can be present in the environment and may transfer to the hair through incidental contact. A common example is handling banknotes, which often carry trace amounts of cocaine. This can result in contamination that appears in hair samples. However, correct lab testing procedures can tell the difference between accidental exposure and active use.