WE CONFIRM THE PRESENCE OF DRUGS OF ABUSE IN HUMANS

HAIR TESTING

WHY HAIR TESTING?

Conventional methods of drug detection involve the analysis of urine or blood. Most drugs disappear from the blood within a few hours and urine within 2 – 3 days of use so that intermittent drug use can easily be concealed by abstaining.

Any drug that is present in the bloodstream will be incorporated into the protein layer of the hair through each hairstrand’s blood supply. As each strand grows, the drug will grow out with the hair. It is therefore an ideal matrix for detecting long term inappropriate drug and alcohol use as drugs are very stable in hair. Hair drug analysis differs from urine because it offers a substantially longer detection window (months to years), enabling retrospective investigation of past consumption.

Hair grows at an average rate of 1cm per month. Therefore, analysing the 3cm section of hair closest to the scalp will indicate drug use or abstinence during the 3-months prior to sample collection. Segmental analysis of a hair sample is often used to establish a trend in drug use or to correlate the location of the drug along the hair shaft with the time of ingestion.

APPLICATIONS OF HAIR TESTING

Parental rights and responsibilities cases and divorce proceedings

Hair analyses are used where there are allegations of substance abuse or where children are actively or passively exposed to drugs. Random urine tests often do not indicate any drugs due to a time delay of the sample donation on purpose by the donor; however, hair testing has the advantage that the drug use can still be detected as the test covers the last few months. Drug test results are not affected by short-term abstinence.

Pre-employment testing in the occupational setting

Hair testing is less invasive than urine or blood testing, ideal for pre-employment screening. It can highlight the risky behaviour of prospective employees since a single hair test can indicate drug or alcohol abuse within the past few months.

Life and health insurance

Drugs, alcohol, and tobacco can significantly affect an individual's health. Hair testing provides long-term information on substance abuse which will aid insurance companies in establishing the potential risk that a prospective client holds for the company.

Drug rehabilitation

It has been repeatedly shown that the patients' information on their personal history of drug use is far from accurate. Hair testing provides accurate long-term information on a patient's drug use pattern. It is also helpful in monitoring abstinence after the completion of rehabilitation.

Forensic investigations

Hair testing can provide valuable information on whether a crime was committed under the influence of drugs. It can also help identify whether drugs played a role in sudden death.

Other

Babies exposed to drugs in-utero need to go on immediate and intensive substitution treatment. Hair analysis is a valuable tool in identifying these babies, and the substances they were exposed to.

ADVANTAGES OF HAIR TESTING

A longer window of detection – months instead of 2-3 days for urine.
Cost-effective and time-saving – one hair test vs approximately 18 urine samples for a 3-month profile.
Hair testing eliminates the need for random testing.
Virtually eliminates the possibility of tampering with the test.
Simpler to collect, store and transport.
More dignified collection method compared to urine testing.
Can differentiate between once-off incidents and chronic substance abusers.
Excellent pre-employment screening tool.

THE ELS PROCEDURE IS LEGALLY DEFENSIBLE!!

COLLECTION AND TRANSPORTATION

Legally defensible hair sample collection is crucial to preserve specimen integrity. The documented chain-of-custody assures that the eventual test results are from the individual who donated the specimen and that the specimen was not tampered with.

At Expert Laboratory Services, hair samples are collected nationwide according to international guidelines. Procedures employed are ethically sound, legally correct, and carried out to respect a specimen donor’s dignity, privacy, and autonomy. Trained professionals in a drug-free environment carry out the collection of hair samples.

WRITTEN CONSENT

Individuals undergoing the drug test has to provide voluntary written consent. In the case of a minor, the parent needs to give written permission. Analytical test results will only be communicated to a third party with consent by the specimen donor.

AFFIDAVIT

Expert Laboratory Services are willing to issue an affidavit, which can be used in disciplinary

hearings and court procedures.

WHY CHOOSE EXPERT LABORATORY SERVICES FOR HAIR TESTING

Dr Tim Laurens and Ms Maraliese Jordaan performed the first hair tests for drugs of abuse in a South African laboratory.
ELS provide legally defensible confirmation testing for drugs and alcohol on a forensically acceptable standard.
State-of-the-art equipment is employed by an accredited laboratory (ISO17025).
A written report with an interpretation of the results is provided for every hair sample collected.
We are experts in forensic toxicology and analytical chemistry; therefore, we offer free telephonic support and expert testimony to our clients and legal forums like the family advocate and the Children’s Court.
Our test menu includes over 75 illegal and prescription drugs, alcohol, steroids and synthetic/designed drugs.
Analytical test results are reported within 7-10 days from the time the sample was collected.
ELS does not offer “panel screening tests” based on immuno-assay technology for urine and hair since these are widely regarded as unreliable evidence in Court, even if a laboratory provides a quantitative result.

Having pioneered hair drug testing in South Africa, our team leads with an ethically sound, legally correct, and scientifically accurate service!

Ethically Sound

Specimens are collected to respect the dignity, privacy and autonomy of all individuals. Confidentiality is our highest priority.

Legally Correct

No sample is tested without voluntary written consent. Only representatives, as designated by the donor, will receive reports.

Scientifically Accurate

ISO17025 accredited testing protocols to ensure accurate results, which our forensic toxicology experts interpret.

We are here to support you every step of the way!

Contact Information