Attending a test? Here is what to expect
If a solicitor, social worker or employer has asked you to attend a test, this page covers everything you need: where to go, what to bring, what happens at your appointment and how your results are shared.
Before you arrive
Where to go
Belfast — Unit 1B Concourse 1 Catalyst, Queens Road, Belfast BT3 9DT · 02890 737942
Dublin — city centre venue, confirmed in your appointment letter or text · +353 (0)1 913 6110
Some collections are arranged elsewhere — at a solicitor's or social worker's office, your workplace, or another agreed location. Your appointment letter or text will confirm where to go.
What to bring
- Photographic identification — such as a passport or driving licence. Your identity is verified before any sample is taken.
- Your appointment details — the letter, email or text confirming your test.
For DNA tests, each donor is also photographed at collection as part of the chain-of-custody procedure.
What happens at your appointment
Your collector will explain each step before it happens. Nothing is taken without your knowledge, and every sample is sealed and labelled in front of you.
Hair
A small sample — usually two samples about the width of a thin pencil — is taken from the back of the head, cut close to the scalp. It is quick and painless, and the sampled area is not noticeable afterwards for most people. If scalp hair is not available, body hair can be used.
Nail
Clippings are taken from fingernails or toenails. The clippings carry months of history as substances bind into the nail as it grows.
DNA (cheek swab)
A soft swab is rubbed gently inside the cheek. It is painless and suitable for adults, children and newborns.
Urine and oral fluid
Urine collections take place in private; the sample is divided and sealed in front of you. Oral fluid is collected with a simple device in sight of the collector — there is a short wait beforehand when nothing should be in your mouth.
Blood
Blood samples are taken by a trained professional, in the same way as a routine blood test at your GP.
How your results are shared
Results are reported securely to whoever instructed the test — usually the Trust, solicitor or employer who arranged your appointment. NIVHA cannot normally release results directly to you when someone else has instructed the test, so if you would like a copy, ask the instructing party.
Your sample travels under a chain-of-custody form with unique identifiers, and your personal data is handled in line with data protection law throughout.
Nervous about attending?
That is completely normal — most people we see have never been tested before. The appointment is straightforward, our collectors do this every day, and you can call us on 02890 737942 beforehand with any questions.
Frequently asked questions
How is a hair sample taken?
A trained collector takes a small sample of scalp hair — usually two samples about the width of a thin pencil — from the back of the head, cut close to the scalp. If scalp hair is not available, body hair can be used instead. Standard analysis reads three centimetres of hair, covering roughly the last three months.
Will my name be on the laboratory report?
Laboratory reports are linked to your sample by unique identifiers on the chain-of-custody form; donor names are generally not included in the laboratory report itself.
Can NIVHA give me my results?
Results are reported to whoever instructed the test — for example the Trust, solicitor or employer. If you would like a copy of your result, ask the instructing party. If you arranged the test yourself, the report comes directly to you.
What if I cannot attend my appointment?
Contact the person who arranged your test as soon as possible so it can be rearranged. If your appointment is at our Belfast centre you can also call us on 02890 737942.
Can I eat and drink normally beforehand?
For most tests, yes — carry on as normal. For oral fluid tests there is a short period before collection when nothing should be in your mouth, such as food, drink or gum. Your collector will explain on the day.