‍What is this service for?

Employers have a duty of care to ensure that workplace safety is never compromised by employees whose performance may be impaired by drugs or alcohol. To protect staff companies should establish clear policies that outline what constitutes misuse and unacceptable behaviour at work. Once communicated to all employees, these policies are often supported by a structured drug and alcohol testing programme. At Essential Medicals, we provide reliable workplace drug and alcohol testing services:

Drug Testing
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✔ We use instant, point-of-care testing to deliver immediate results.
✔ Results are reported as either negative or non-negative.
✔ Non-negative results cannot be used as legally defensible evidence, so our collection officer prepares the sample for laboratory confirmation under Chain of Custody procedures.
✔ A legally defensible laboratory report is then provided.

Alcohol Testing
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✔ Alcohol screening is carried out using a Home Office–approved breathalyser.
✔ If the initial test shows any result above zero, a second sample is taken after 20 minutes.
✔ The result of the second test is recorded as the final outcome.
✔ The definition of a “failed” result will depend on each company’s Drug & Alcohol Policy.

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‍What services do we offer?

At Essential Medicals, we provide three key testing regimes designed to meet the needs of different workplace environments and policies:
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✔ Pre-Placement Testing: Essential Medicals carry out pre-placement medicals for individuals, and many companies choose to include drug and alcohol testing as part of this process. We can also provide standalone pre-placement testing, either prior to an appointment or during a site induction.
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✔ Random (Unannounced) Screening: This type of testing is carried out directly at the workplace. Employees may be selected at random, or in some cases, all staff at a site may be tested. Random screening is an important element of a company’s Drug & Alcohol Policy and acts as a strong deterrent against misuse.
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✔ Emergency or “For Cause” Testing: If an incident occurs on site, or there is reasonable suspicion that an employee’s performance may be impaired by drugs or alcohol, Essential Medicals can carry out testing on demand. For businesses requiring round-the-clock support, 24/7 cover can be arranged—please contact us to discuss your requirements.

By implementing robust policies and testing procedures, employers can demonstrate their commitment to health, safety, and employee wellbeing in the workplace.

On-Site Testing

At Essential Medicals, we provide on-site drug and alcohol testing for workplaces across London, Essex, and surrounding areas. Our mobile clinicians can attend your site to deliver pre-employment, random, for-cause, and post-incident screening, using certified chain-of-custody procedures and calibrated equipment for reliable results and fast turnaround. Whether you need a one-off visit or regular site attendance, we make workplace testing simple, confidential, and compliant with your company policy.
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Chain of Custody Process

At Essential Medicals, our collection team is fully trained and certified in Chain of Custody procedures. This ensures that every stage of the testing process is carried out to the highest professional and legal standards. When a non-negative drug screen result is identified, the sample must undergo laboratory confirmation before any action is taken.
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✔ Many employers choose to suspend the individual concerned while awaiting the laboratory results, which typically take 3–5 working days.
✔ Where required, we can arrange a fast-track, 24-hour confirmation test on a case-by-case basis.
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All laboratory results are reviewed by one of our clinicians, and a full report can be provided if requested.

Essential Medicals’ Drug & Alcohol Testing services use a UKAS-accredited laboratory and are CBH accredited, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and supporting compliance with industry standards.

About Us

What is Drug and Alcohol Testing?

At Essential Medicals, we deliver fast, reliable workplace drug and alcohol testing for employers across Enfield Lock, London, and nationwide. From pre-placement checks to random on-site screening and emergency “for cause” testing, our services help businesses maintain safe, compliant, and productive workplaces. Using Home Office–approved breathalysers and UKAS-accredited laboratories under strict Chain of Custody procedures, we provide accurate, legally defensible results with options for same-day or fast-track confirmation.

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Why Choose Essential Medicals?

Many business owners underestimate the positive impact occupational health can have on both their team and their business. By partnering with Essential Medicals, you’re investing in a healthier, safer, and more productive workplace. With extensive experience across multiple industries, our dedicated occupational health professionals support your staff in performing safe and suitable work while enhancing overall well-being. We work with a wide range of sectors, including construction, office and professional services, and transport hubs such as airports, tailoring every service to meet the unique needs of your business.

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Supporting Staff Well-being

At Essential Medicals, our staff health checks and workplace assessments are designed to keep your employees safe. By prioritising well-being, you create a culture where staff feel valued and secure — boosting motivation, reducing sickness absence, and improving overall retention.

We also run health promotion days and workplace wellness events, giving your team the chance to ask questions and receive practical advice from our qualified practitioners on maintaining healthier lifestyles.

What is SEQOHS?

SEQOHS stands for Safe, Effective, Quality Occupational Health Service — the gold standard in the UK for occupational health providers. This prestigious accreditation is overseen by the Faculty of Occupational Medicine, and confirms that we meet rigorous standards across six domains:
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✔ Business probity
✔ Information governance
✔ People
✔ Facilities and equipment
✔ Relationships with purchasers
✔ Relationships with workers

By choosing Essential Medicals, a SEQOHS-accredited provider, you gain peace of mind that all our Fit to Work assessments, medical reports, and employee health checks are conducted to the highest standards ensuring safety and workplace resilience.

About Us

Our Drug and Alcohol Testing Services

Workplace Drug Testing

We provide pre-employment, random, and “for cause” drug testing using certified chain-of-custody procedures for legally defensible results.

Alcohol Screening

Our Home Office–approved breathalyser tests ensure employees meet company alcohol policies, with fast follow-up testing if required.Quick, professional D4 Driver Medicals for HGV, LGV, PCV, and bus or lorry drivers.
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On-Site Testing

Mobile clinicians can deliver testing directly at your workplace, offering flexible and confidential assessments. Our GMC‑registered doctors carry out comprehensive taxi driver medicals to meet local council licensing standard.
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Fast, Accurate Results

All samples are processed through UKAS-accredited laboratories, with options for same-day or expedited results for workplace safety.

Book an Appointment in Enfield

If you need a professional, reliable occupational health provider in Enfield, Essential Medicals offers fast access to medicals and assessments.

Book online today or contact our team to arrange an appointment at our Innova Park clinic or on-site at your workplace anywhere across Enfield and the Lea Valley.

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Serving London & Surrounding Areas

Sectors Covered

We support a wide range of sectors, including:
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✔ Construction and trades
✔ Office-based businesses
✔ Healthcare and social care
✔ Transport and logistics
✔ Local authorities and SMEs

Whether you’re an HR manager, business owner, or site supervisor, we deliver scalable solutions with fast turnaround times from one-off cases to ongoing OH contracts.

Trusted By Patients & Employers

Are lab results legally defensible?

Yes. All laboratory tests are processed through UKAS-accredited labs, with full chain-of-custody and documentation.

Do you offer mobile or onsite testing?

Yes. Onsite testing is available for organisations and fleet operators, subject to location and volume.

How fast are the results?

Instant results for breath and saliva testing. Lab-based testing results are typically available within 24–72 hours.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Contact Us.

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Drug and alcohol testing