Testing information
Not all hair drug testing is the same
Two labs can both sell you a 'hair drug test' and run entirely different analyses. One holds up in court; the other is a screen that means nothing until it is confirmed.
- Mass spectrometry from the outset
- 90+ substances
- No tiered screening
There are two ways to test hair
They are not two grades of the same test. They answer different questions, and the price difference is what a laboratory saves by asking the smaller one. The method we use is first; the cheaper alternative is beside it, so you can see what the saving costs.
Mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Identifies a substance by its molecular mass rather than inferring it from a reaction. It names the specific compound and measures how much is there, which is what makes a result a finding rather than a flag.
- Over 90 substances screened in one run, at no extra cost.
- Detects trace amounts, so lighter use is not simply missed.
- The standard courts and accredited laboratories work to.
Run from the outset here — never as a confirmation step after a cheaper screen.
Immunoassay (ELISA) screening
An antibody reaction that indicates a substance class may be present. It is a screen: a flag, not a finding. A positive has to be confirmed by a second, different method before it means anything, and a negative can miss lighter use.
- Prone to false positives, because related compounds trigger the same reaction.
- Narrower panel — the substances outside it are not looked for at all.
- Not defensible on its own if the result is challenged.
Comparing the differences
Purpose
Mass spectrometry
Recognised as the gold standard, measuring the precise molecular mass of ions.
ELISA
A screening tool, not a confirmatory method. Cannot be relied on as a standalone test.
Accuracy
Mass spectrometry
Extremely high — pinpoints specific substances with unmatched precision.
ELISA
Moderate at best, and prone to false positives and negatives.
Sensitivity
Mass spectrometry
Detects trace amounts, capturing casual, moderate and heavy use.
ELISA
Less sensitive, making it unsuitable for high-stakes scenarios.
Drug panel coverage
Mass spectrometry
Over 90 substances, including CBD and fentanyl, in a single assessment at no extra cost.
ELISA
Restricted to predefined panels — typically 5, 7, 9, 12 or 18 substances — with extra charges for compounds like CBD or fentanyl.
Risk of false results
Mass spectrometry
Minimal. Highly trusted for accuracy and reliability.
ELISA
Higher — susceptible to cross-reaction with other substances, producing false positives and negatives with downstream consequences.
Turnaround
Mass spectrometry
A detailed process in a NATA-accredited forensic laboratory, taking several days.
ELISA
Results within hours in most cases, depending on the facility.
Equipment required
Mass spectrometry
A multimillion-dollar facility with specialised instrumentation.
ELISA
Basic laboratory equipment only.
Use in judicial cases
Mass spectrometry
Widely accepted and defensible, meeting the highest forensic and legal standards.
ELISA
Rarely defensible alone; must be confirmed by mass spectrometry to carry legal weight.
Cost
Mass spectrometry
Higher upfront, but includes a broad panel and avoids the cost of follow-up confirmation.
ELISA
Lower initially, rising sharply as substances are added to the panel.
| Mass spectrometryWhat we use, from the outset | Immunoassay (ELISA)Common cheaper alternative | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Recognised as the gold standard, measuring the precise molecular mass of ions. | A screening tool, not a confirmatory method. Cannot be relied on as a standalone test. |
| Accuracy | Extremely high — pinpoints specific substances with unmatched precision. | Moderate at best, and prone to false positives and negatives. |
| Sensitivity | Detects trace amounts, capturing casual, moderate and heavy use. | Less sensitive, making it unsuitable for high-stakes scenarios. |
| Drug panel coverage | Over 90 substances, including CBD and fentanyl, in a single assessment at no extra cost. | Restricted to predefined panels — typically 5, 7, 9, 12 or 18 substances — with extra charges for compounds like CBD or fentanyl. |
| Risk of false results | Minimal. Highly trusted for accuracy and reliability. | Higher — susceptible to cross-reaction with other substances, producing false positives and negatives with downstream consequences. |
| Turnaround | A detailed process in a NATA-accredited forensic laboratory, taking several days. | Results within hours in most cases, depending on the facility. |
| Equipment required | A multimillion-dollar facility with specialised instrumentation. | Basic laboratory equipment only. |
| Use in judicial cases | Widely accepted and defensible, meeting the highest forensic and legal standards. | Rarely defensible alone; must be confirmed by mass spectrometry to carry legal weight. |
| Cost | Higher upfront, but includes a broad panel and avoids the cost of follow-up confirmation. | Lower initially, rising sharply as substances are added to the panel. |
What the terms mean
Immunoassay (ELISA): fast, cheap, and limited
The useful analogy is a pregnancy test: it relies on a chemical reaction to indicate whether something is present. That makes it quick and inexpensive, and also prone to false positives and negatives — the same cross-reactivity problem behind false positives in roadside screening.
The saving tends to evaporate. A positive ELISA needs confirming by mass spectrometry before it can be relied on, so the total cost and time frequently end up higher than testing properly first time.
Mass spectrometry: the gold standard
Mass spectrometry analyses molecular mass directly, identifying specific drugs and their metabolites with very high certainty. It does not infer presence from a reaction — it measures the molecule.
We run it on every sample from the outset, not only to confirm a screen that flagged something.
The problem with the tiered approach
Many facilities screen with ELISA first and send only positives for confirmation. That lowers the headline price and introduces four problems:
- False results — ELISA cross-reacts with look-alike substances, in both directions.
- Delay — confirmation adds days, cancelling out the speed.
- Cost — if the fee covers both stages but only the screen runs, you paid a premium for a basic result.
- Legal exposure — solicitors who know the limits will insist on mass spectrometry anyway, meaning another round and a further delay.
Where the outcome matters — legal proceedings, custody, or safety-critical roles — mass spectrometry is the accepted standard, and the saving is not worth the risk.
Book a test analysed by mass spectrometry
Every sample, from the outset.