ToxLogic Pty Ltd collects hair samples that are sent to referral laboratories including Cansford Laboratories, a world leader in drug and alcohol testing using hair analysis.
Why hair testing?
The analysis of hair for drugs and alcohol can help establish a history of a donor’s drug use. When drugs enter the bloodstream, parent drug and/or metabolites are laid down in the hair as the blood circulates around the hair follicle. This drug remains in the hair as it grows so, by analysing a length of hair, the drugs used over a certain period of time can be determined. A 1cm length of head hair will give approximately a one month history of the donor’s drug use.
Hair collections are done under Chain of Custody conditions using a specialised collection kit supplied by ToxLogic. The collection involves cutting two locks of hair close to the scalp from the area around the crown of the head. Each lock should be 50 – 100 hairs and, with normal hair growth, the collection site is not usually visible after collection. If head hair is not available, body hair can be used in most cases.
Testing for Alcohol in Hair
When testing for alcohol, the laboratory analyses the sample for Ethyl Glucuronide and Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters. When used in conjunction with clinical judgement and blood tests, these hair analysis results can be useful in assessing donors who are suspected of chronic alcohol abuse.
The analysis of alcohol in hair can also be used to confirm abstinence from alcohol over time. Cansford Laboratories is the first testing facility in the UK to offer this very sensitive test. Please contact ToxLogic if you require further information about this test.
Hair analysis for drugs and alcohol is currently used in Australia and overseas by child protection and family law professionals, sporting bodies, drug rehabilitation clinics and security companies. Hair analysis is most useful as a pre-employment test for the workplace or as part of a long-term monitoring program in legal and rehabilitation fields.
Hair testing results are returned within 10 – 14 days of collection. The laboratory is also able to prepare an Expert Witness Statement if requested (additional charges apply).