Minerva Scientific Ltd is one of a small number of UK based laboratories offering the private analysis of blood and urine specimens for the determination of alcohol content. We use gas chromatography (GC) to carry out this testing.

Individuals who choose or are required by the police under the Road Traffic Act 1988, the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 or the Transport and Works Act 1992 to give a specimen of blood or urine will, at the same time, be offered a part of the specimen for their own retention. We can offer individuals a private testing service for this sample.

We can provide the following advice relating to the testing process:

• The police should place the specimen in a container. The police should then place the container in a sealed envelope. The individual is advised to ensure that the envelope remains sealed and that it is kept cool, preferably in a refrigerator - but NOT FROZEN.



• We advise individuals to contact us by email or telephone to ascertain the current time required to complete a test and costs associated with the analysis.



• When submitting samples for testing, individuals are advised to submit specimens either by personal delivery at our premises or by first class Recorded Delivery Service (signature required on delivery and certificate of posting available). Please arrange a suitable time with us before delivering a specimen in person. Specimens submitted by post should be sent in strong protective packaging with contact details, including a telephone number if possible, enclosed in the package.



• Our Qualified Analyst will prepare a written report that is posted to the individual following completion of the testing.



• Our Qualified Analyst may be prepared to give evidence in Court as an Expert Witness in support of our analytical results. Please contact us for fees associated with this service.