Frequently Asked Questions
We gathered the answers to some popular questions below.
If you can’t find your question below feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.
After sample collection
I just had my blood sample taken, what do I do?
It is important to keep your sample chilled in refrigerated conditions. Should you wish, contact a solicitor. Ensure that you DO NOT open the plastic bag containing your sample.
How soon should I purchase the analysis and send my sample to your laboratory?
Ideally, as soon as possible. It is important that the name on the order matches the name on the plastic bag containing your sample.
What is a tamper evident bag?
A tamper evident bag, or TEB, is the sealed bag which contains your blood sample. Law enforcement use TEBs to demonstrate the continuity of a sample has been maintained. This means that your sample remains unaltered from the time of collection.
How do I purchase the analysis?
Please proceed to our purchasing website where you can select which analysis is required for your sample.
Posting my sample
How do I get my sample to your laboratory?
Please use a tracked postage service. We suggest Royal Mail Special Delivery. If you wish to deliver the sample directly, please contact us.
Can I send my sample on the weekend?
Please note we DO NOT accept samples on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) and bank holidays. The samples must arrive at our laboratory between 08:30-16:30 Monday – Thursday and 08:30-16:00 on Friday.
Can I send in my sample before I purchase from your website?
No, you cannot send your sample to our laboratory without purchasing from our website. Your sample will be sent back to you in the post if we do not receive a purchase order from you.
Where do I post it to?
This information will be sent to you via email after purchasing the analysis from our website.
Sample receipt at the laboratory
Will I receive an email when the lab receives my sample?
No. Please refer to your postage tracking information.
How long will it take to receive my results?
KAST aims to return results within 30 days of sample receipt. Please note, should your sample be placed on hold for any reason, this can delay the return of your results.
Will I receive an email when the lab analyses my sample?
No. Once the analysis is finished, our expert witness will draft a report which is then sent for approval before it is issued.
How will I receive my results?
Results will be given in the form of a Section 9 Witness Statement which will be issued via the email address provided during purchasing.
Other
Can I take the sample pot outside of the tamper evident bag it is sealed in?
Under no circumstances should you attempt to open the tamper evident bag. Doing so will affect the sample integrity and can result in further issues during prosecution.
It has been over 30 days and I have not received my results, what should I do?
We are sorry you have not yet received the results of your sample. Please get in touch with us on our Contact Page.
What do I do if I am unhappy with my results?
We are sorry you are unsatisfied with the results of your sample. Please get in touch with us on our Contact Page.
What do I do if I still have questions?
Please get in touch with us on our Contact Page.
Talk to us today!
* Kingston Analytical Services Toxicology (KAST) is a trading name for Kingston University Enterprises Ltd.
KAST Forensics 