THERE has been an increase in drug and alcohol testing for child protection cases during lockdown, says a Westbrook-based testing company.

Since lockdown began, AlphaBiolabs has seen a rise in demand for its services.

The company carries out testing on hair, oral fluid, urine and nail clipping samples for signs of drug and alcohol use.

It is also one of just a few companies operating in the family law sector that supplies the SCRAM Continuous Alcohol Monitoring ankle bracelet - the ‘sobriety tag’.

This is used by councils, the courts and child protection agencies to find out about the frequency and pattern of clients’ drinking habits.

Recent figures show the number of people contacting the National Association for Children of Alcoholics during lockdown has doubled.

An increasing number have come from children whose parents have started to drink again.

Alphalabs director, Rachel Davenport said the company is continuing to expand its workforce, with nine more sample collectors and two additional scientists currently being recruited.

She added: “Our laboratory has remained open throughout lockdown as a result of extensive forward planning, and our agility means we have been able to support the family law sector by rapidly adapting to the changing circumstances.”