Forensic Science SA (FSSA) provides services to some of South Australia’s largest government departments and undertakes award-winning research in forensic science.
Contact Forensic Science SA
In person:
21 Divett Place, Adelaide SA 5000
9am - 5pm (deliveries are accepted outside of these times only if previously arranged)
Mail:
GPO Box 2790, Adelaide SA 5001
Phone:
08 226 7700
Email:
forensicadministration [at] sa.gov.au
Facsimilie:
08 8226 7777
Hair drug testing
Hair testing can show drug use within a particular period if the drug concentration is high enough to be detected.
Who should apply?
- Health professionals
- Police officers
- Accredited workplace drug testing agencies
Hair types and collection
Request a collection kit and instructions
Fees and payment information
Payment is required before the hair can be analysed. The cost includes a report but does not include an interpretative report or court appearance time.
You can pay by:
cash
cheque (made out to Forensic Science SA)
credit card - call Forensic Science SA on 08 8226 7700 or use the bpoint payment system.
If using bpoint follow these prompts:
Biller Code: Forensic Services
Full Name: person paying for the testing
Contact number/email: if FSSA needs to contact you
Customer reference: subject’s name – eg the donor
Amount (AUD): depending on the amount of segments
Drugs covered by the test
| Drug | Lower limit of reporting* (pg/mg | Uppper limit of reporting# (pg/mg) |
| delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) | 20 |
1000 |
| amphetamine | 20 | 2500 |
| methylamphetamine | 20 | 2500 |
| 3,4- methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) | 20 | 2500 |
| 3,4 methylenedioxyamhetamine (MDMA) | 20 | 2500 |
| cocaine | 20 | 2500 |
| benzoylecgonine (metabolite of cocaine) | 20 | 2500 |
| codeine | 20 | 2500 |
| morphine | 20 | 2500 |
| 6-monoacetylmorphine (metabolite of heroin) | 20 | 2500 |
| fentanyl | 20 | 1250 |
| methadone | 20 | 2500 |
| oxycodone | 20 | 2500 |
| pethidine | 20 | 2500 |
| ketamine | 20 | 2500 |
| zolpidem | 20 | 2500 |
| alprazolam | 50 | 6000 |
| diazepam | 50 | 6000 |
| nordiazepam | 50 | 6000 |
| lorazepam | 50 | 6000 |
| midazolam | 50 | 6000 |
| oxazepam | 50 | 6000 |
| 7-aminoclonazepam (metabolite of clonazepam) | Reported as present only | Reported as present only |
| 7-aminoflunitrazepam (metabolite of flunitrazepam) | Reported as present only | Reported as present only |
| 7-aminonitrazepam (metabolite of nitrazepam) | Reported as present only | Reported as present only |
* Concentrations lower than the LLOR will be reported as 'not detected'
# Concentrations above the ULOR will be reported as 'greater than (ULOR)'
Note that the screening of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is performed using a separate procedure.
Hair sampling procedure
Use the collection kit provided by FSSA and follow the Hair Sampling Procedure.
Hair Sampling Procedure (PDF 233KB).
How to apply
Complete the Request for Hair Drug Analysis form (PDF 119KB) and email to forensicadministration [at] sa.gov.au (subject: Request%20for%20Hair%20Drug%20Analysis)
Post the sealed sample to FSSA.
Road Traffic Act blood samples
Results of blood samples analysed under this Act will normally be posted to the driver within three weeks.
Related information
Find out about the Coronial process in South Australia.
Read more about the work of FSSA.
