Source folder: Q&As
Source workbook: Full_Q&A_EasyDNA.xlsx
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Questions and answers imported from the source spreadsheet.
Question: "What is Hair drug testing?"
Answer:
Hair testing analyzes a hair sample for parent drugs and their metabolites. A hair specimen, collected from a donor's head or body, is sent to the laboratory and is screened for illicit substances.
Question: "Is the Laboratories Custody & Control Form (CCF) court admissible?"
Answer:
The lab follows proper chain of custody procedures from collection to result reporting using appropriate Custody & Control Forms. These procedures are reviewed as part of our industry leading credentials and make our results legally defensible.
Question: "How effective is hair testing in detecting drug users?"
Answer:
Our clients regularly report finding 5-15 times as many users compared to laboratory-based urine testing programs
Question: “What time period does hair drug testing cover?”
Answer:
The typical length of head hair tested is 1½ inches from the root end. Since the average growth rate of human head hair is approximately ½ inch (1.3 cm) per month a hair analysis covers an approximate 90-day time frame. This time frame is an approximation only since an individual's actual hair growth rate may vary from the average.
Question: “Does body hair give the same type of results as head hair?”
Answer:
Body hair can be used for testing. However, while body hair is generally acknowledged as representing a more distant time frame than head hair, the approximate time period cannot be identified due to the high variability of growth rates.
Question: “How soon after use can a drug be detected in hair?”
Answer:
It takes approximately 5-10 days from the time of drug use for the hair containing the drug to grow above the scalp, where it can be collected.
Question: “What methodology do you employ?”
Answer:
Hair samples are first screened in our laboratory using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) or liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/Ms/ms) screening. Any samples that test presumptively positive in the screening process are then subjected to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/Ms), gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (GC/ms/ms), or liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/Ms/Ms) confirmation testing.
Question: “How does the Laboratory establish its cut-off levels?”
Answer:
The labs cutoff levels are based on industry standards and expert research for the market. This includes the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) proposed guidelines in the United States.
Question: “How long are excess hair and test reports saved?”
Answer:
Any hair remaining after initial testing is completed is retained for a one-year period. Test results are retained for a period of two years.
Question: “Does the Laboratory wash the hair prior to analysis?”
Answer:
All hair specimens are washed prior to confirmation testing to remove possible external contamination. The lab wash procedures were reviewed by the FDA as part of our 510(k) clearances.
Question: “Can external exposure to drugs (marijuana smoke, crack smoke, etc.) have an effect on the hair test results?”
Answer:
Along with a wash procedure, the lab looks for both the parent drug and metabolite (biproduct) of drug usage (where appropriate). For marijuana analysis, the lab detects only the metabolite (THC-COOH). This metabolite is only produced by the body and cannot be an environmental contaminant.
Question: “Can a hair test be beaten/ adulterated?”
Answer:
At this time there are no known successful commercial adulterants for hair tests, and the recommended use of normal hair care products/procedures (shampoos, dyes, permanents, relaxers, bleaches) does not have a significant effect on results. The effects of these products were reviewed by the FDA as part of our 510(k) clearances.
Question: “Does hair color effect results?”
Answer:
Hair color is determined by the amount of melanin in the hair. It has been shown experimentally, through actual hair samples, as well as determined in court that hair color has no significant impact on results.
Question: “Can hair collected from a brush be used for the Hair Drug test?”
Answer:
Yes, but the test will be reported as having an "anonymous" donor. We cannot attribute the sample to any specific person, and we cannot determine the time frame of the test, so the test result is not legally defensible.
Question: "I want to do a hair strand test for drugs?"
Answer:
Yes, we offer accredited Hair Drug Testing that screens for a wide range of substances using a hair sample. You can choose between 4-panel, 5-panel, 7-panel, 13-panel, or 18-panel options depending on what you want tested.
Question: "If I only used a gram of cocaine once, will it show up as negative on a drug test?"
Answer:
Occasional use can still be detected, especially with hair testing, as it reflects drug use over time. However, detection depends on factors like dosage, timing, and individual hair growth rates.
Question: "Hello does your hair drug test show drug use over a time span of 3 months?"
Answer:
Yes, our hair drug tests typically detect drug use over a 90-day (3-month) window, based on 3cm of hair collected closest to the scalp.
Question: "Does it show particular incidents of drug use or just positive or negative results?"
Answer:
Hair drug testing cannot pinpoint the exact date of use. It provides a detection window and confirms whether a substance was used during that period, along with the level detected.
Question: “Can you explain how your hair follicle drug tests work?”
Answer:
The test analyzes a small section of hair (around 3–6 cm, depending on time span requested). Drugs enter the bloodstream and get deposited in the hair follicle, making it possible to detect use over a longer period compared to urine or saliva tests
Question: “Is the Hiar Drug test admissible in court?”
Answer:
Yes, we offer both home-use and legally admissible versions. The legal version includes chain of custody and collector verification, which makes it suitable for use in court or legal proceedings.
Question: “What is the cost of a Hair Drug test that can be used in court?”
Answer:
Pricing varies depending on the panel selected and your region. Legal tests involve additional costs for collector booking and chain-of-custody processing. Visit our website, select your country, and choose your panel to view exact pricing.
Question: “What is the sample collection process for a Legal Hair Drug test?”
Answer:
For legal testing, you’ll need to attend an approved location where a trained collector will take the sample. The process includes ID checks, signatures, and secure sample handling to maintain chain of custody.
Question: “How far back can your Hair Drug Test check?”
Answer:
Our standard detection window is 90 days (based on 3cm of hair), but we can test up to 6 months or more if a longer hair sample is available.
Question: “Does your Hair Drug Test test for GHB?”
Answer:
No, GHB is not included in our standard panels. Hair testing for GHB is highly specialised and not part of our current offerings.
Question: “Does the 4-panel Hair Drug Test test for THC?”
Answer:
Yes, THC (cannabis/marijuana) is included in all of our hair drug test panels, including the 4-panel version.
Question: "How many days will it take to receive the results?"
Answer:
Results are available in approximately 3–5 working days from when the sample is received at the laboratory.
Question: "Does 4-panel test for THC?"
Answer:
Yes, the 4-Panel Hair Drug Test includes screening for THC (Cannabis). You can view the full list of substances tested in each panel on the product page or download the official panel list PDF from the site.
Question: "Is it possible to do 1 month hair strand test?"
Answer:
Yes, our Hair Drug Test can assess usage over a 1-month period. Hair analysis generally allows for 1 cm of detection per month, so a 1 cm sample would be required for a 1-month window. Please specify the timeframe needed when placing your order.
Question: "Can pubic hair be used in a cocaine hair strand test?"
Answer:
Yes, pubic hair can be used if head hair isn’t available. However, it may limit how far back in time we can test, and collection should follow our guidelines. Please contact us via email before ordering to confirm suitability.
Question: "Is there any place on the Gold Coast that does same-day Hair drug testing ?"
Answer:
While we offer Hair Drug Testing kits across Australia, sample collection is usually done at home or via a professional collector (by appointment). We don’t currently offer a walk-in, same-day service on the Gold Coast.
Question: "I would like to do a hair test for alcohol only. What is the cost?"
Answer:
Our hair alcohol testing is currently only available in the UK and EU, as it’s processed by our partner laboratory in the UK. For accurate pricing, please visit our UK or EU website and view the Hair Alcohol Testing page.
Question: "Can I use a timmer machine to collect body hair for the sample?"
Answer:
No, hair samples must be plucked, not cut. Only hairs with intact follicles (roots) are suitable for DNA extraction. Trimming or shaving will not yield usable DNA.
Question: "How does a legal drug test for court work if I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow?"
Answer:
Legal drug testing requires chain-of-custody procedures. Your doctor can collect a sample under protocol for court purposes. Just let us know via email, and we’ll guide you through the process.
Question: "What hair test can confirm if I was drugged before the assault?"
Answer:
Our Hair Drug Test is designed to detect regular or repeated drug use over time and may not be suitable for confirming a single-event exposure. If you believe you were drugged in a one-off incident, please contact us before ordering so we can assess if this type of test is appropriate for your situation.
Question: "What is included in the 18-panel Hair Drug Testing?"
Answer:
The 18-panel Hair Drug Test screens for a wide range of drug groups, including opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cannabis, methadone, ketamine, and more. It provides a detailed breakdown of all substances tested, along with clear results indicating any positive findings. If needed, we can send you a copy of the full panel list.