FAQ’s for Forensic Report Interpretation
Need help interpreting your reports? Confused as to what the results may mean or imply in a legal setting? We provide independent forensic reporting that offers the Australian legal community expert advice that is timely, objective and scientifically defensible. Our reports are easily understood, offer greater clarity and can stand up to the most rigorous judicial and scientific scrutiny. To view more about our internationally recognised forensic toxicologist Dr Michael Robertson click here.
Dr Robertson can interpret results from hair, blood or urine samples and can assist with Legal Aid cases.
Do I need to make an appointment?
No, a face to face appointment is generally not required as we initially need a copy of your report(s) to review before either a verbal opinion (via phone) or a written report is provided. To get started, first you need to determine what type of report you need. Click here to view the types we offer, choose one, fill in your details, load your results in the respective fields and proceed to payment. If you’re still unsure after viewing the report options email us or call the clinic on 03 9380 8099.
How do I get started?
Once we receive your request via this web page which should include a copy of your result(s) and payment, our response time is usually quick.
For a brief review of the material and verbal opinion, you can expect a call from our forensic toxicologist within 1-2 business days to discuss your results.
For a final written forensic report, the timeline is around 14 business days depending upon the complexities involved.
Please only request information via this specific web page as our reception staff are not qualified to offer any advice and our forensic expert will generally not be available to receive calls as he is often in court acting as an expert witness or writing reports. All fields on this request form need to be completed for a timely response.
What is the cost of drug, alcohol or steroid reporting?
The cost will depend upon the type of forensic report needed. To view our fees click here
How long before receiving a report?
For a brief review of the material and verbal opinion, you can expect a call from our forensic toxicologist within 1-2 business days to discuss your results once we receive payment. For a final written forensic report, the timeline is around 14 business days depending upon the complexities involved.
To view our fees click here
I'm not sure what report to order
Once you have viewed our different categories of hair drug interpretation reports and cannot find a suitable option, please email us with your request and we will get back to you in a timely manner. Please do not call our reception staff as they will not be able to assist with this question and will only instruct you to email your request.
Can I call the clinic to discuss or make an appointment with Dr Robertson?
It is best to send your request via our specific web page form as our reception staff will not be able to assist you without the completion of this form.
To book an appointment with our forensic toxicologist Dr Michael Robertson he will need PRIOR to any phone calls (or requests for written reports) the information provided on this form.
Without your contact details, your specific report requirements, timelines, copy of your results and payment of fees we will not be able to proceed.
As Dr Robertson is often attending court proceedings acting as an expert forensic witness all over Australia or preparing written reports.
Our front desk staff will not be able to confirm an appointment with him until we receive the completion of the requested form.
Rest assured, all information and correspondence are held in the strictest confidence and can only be released with a court order/subpoena or warrant.
Why do the fees vary?
The cost will depend upon the type of forensic reporting required. Some are straight forward whilst others are incredibly complex.
A verbal opinion is the most cost effective if you do not require a written report or if you are not certain what your options are at this stage.
To view fees click here
What are the different types of hair drug interpretation reports offered?
We offer different categories of hair drug interpretation reporting however should your requirements be different, please email us with your request and we will get back to you in a timely manner.
Who provides the hair interpretation reports?
We provide independent forensic reporting that provides the Australian legal community expert advice that is timely, objective and scientifically defensible. Our reports are easily understood and can stand up to the most rigorous judicial and scientific scrutiny. To view more about our internationally recognised forensic toxicologist Dr Michael Robertson click here.
What happens after Dr Robertson reviews my results?
Once Dr Robertson has reviewed all the material and has provided his verbal opinion, either the enquiry will be concluded or a written report will be requested for judicial or employment purposes.
To order and pay for written reports click here.
I have a quick question, can I just call the clinic?
We have an extensive FAQs section for all hair drug and hair alcohol questions so please click on the links provided. If you are unable to find your answer, please email your question(s) and we will contact you in a timely manner.
Reception staff are unable to answer any questions as their role is to only book hair collection appointments for those attending the clinic for testing. They are not qualified to offer any meaningful advice.
Dr Robertson is usually attending court acting as an expert forensic witness so is not available to take calls. All requests for Dr Robertson’s assistance need to be placed via our web page here.
I don't need a forensic report, I just need to understand hair drug/alcohol levels
If you are only needing a quick and general guide where illicit substances are detected, the following are accepted published levels indicating regular or chronic drug use:
- Cannabis: THC & CBD >50pg/mg
- MDMA (ectasy), MDA >200pg/mg
- Methamphetamine >200pg/mg
- Amphetamine >200pg/mg
- Cocaine >500pg/mg
- Ketamine >200pg/mg
- Heroin Metabolite >200pg/mg
- (6-Monoacetylmorphine)
- LSD Any detection level is significant
For alcohol:
- Levels of EtG <5pg/mg indicate abstinence
- Levels >5 to 29pg/mg strongly suggests repeated alcohol consumption
- Levels greater than 30pg/mg strongly suggests chronic excessive alcohol consumption.
In all cases, care should be taken with interpretation as the level of drug/alcohol present in the hair can be influenced by the individual’s metabolism, level of hair pigmentation and by cosmetic treatments.
***Please use this information as a general guide only and not as an exact numerical interpretation.