Questions
Questions
About the Hair Test
WHAT IS A HAIR DRUG TEST?
It is a test that identifies the abuse of psychoactive substances (drugs) in samples of Head Hair or Body Hair. It can detect if the subject used any substances for a long period (usually 90 days), and this is why it is called a wide window of detection test.
WHICH SUBSTANCES (DRUGS) ARE ANALYZED?
Brazilian current legislation requires these drugs to be tested: Marijuana and derivatives, Cocaine and derivatives, including Crack and Merla, Opiates, including Codeine, Morphine and Heroin, Ecstasy (MDMA and MDA), Amfepramone, Femproporex and Mazindol. Medicines that contain some of the above substances can produce POSITIVE test results. Thermogenics, Hydrocarbons and Solvents are not detected. We are able to test over 40 different drugs. You choose which drugs you want to be tested or we can offer standard panels.
WHAT TIME PERIOD DOES HAIR TESTING COVER?
A hair analysis usually covers an approximate 90-day time frame, but we are able to perform the test in any length desired by the client. The window of detection can be extended for up to one year depending on the sample provided. When the sample is body hair, the window of detection will be relatively longer.
HOW ARE DRUGS DETECTED?
Hair grows at a reasonably constant rate and depending on its length we can have a full profile of drug use throughout the period covered. It takes approximately 5 days for the hair to grow from the root to appear above the scalp and therefore be available for detection. As the hair grows and new doses are ingested, the hair starts to function as a black box, recording the history of drug use (or abstinence). This attribute is the biggest benefit of hair analysis because it shows a trend in the habit of using drugs.
WHY IS THE TEST PERFORMED WITH HEAD HAIR OR BODY HAIR?
The main reason is because these specimens allow us to analyze a long period. In the case of Head Hair and Body Hair, the detection can be of months, different from other toxicological exams as in saliva that detects in average only a period of 72 hours and urine in average detects only the last 5 days. Another reason is the non-invasive collection procedure with disposable materials, in addition to the fact that the entire collection procedure is traceable and safe in the presence of the donor.
IF I HAVE NO HEAD HAIR OR BODY HAIR, WHAT DO I DO?
Nail collection can be done, however, only if you have Alopecia disease (little or no head hair/body hair), proven by a dermatologist prescription, as he/she needs to certify that you have alopecia.
CAN I TRUST SODRÉ LABORATORY?
Definitely! Laboratorio Sodré follows a rigorous analysis and certification process to perform the exams, the analysis methodology is tested and confirmed by national and international bodies, in addition to being accredited by INMETRO in ISO/IEC 17025, by CAP – College of American Pathologists, Sodré is also accredited by DENATRAN – the Brazilian National Traffic Department and we have performed almost 2 million tests for them.
CAN EXTERNAL EXPOSURE TO DRUGS (SMOKE, ETC.) PRODUCE A POSITIVE HAIR TEST RESULT?
No. All hair specimens are washed prior testing to remove any external contamination. Sodré also looks for the metabolite that is only produced by the body and could not come from an external contamination. For marijuana analysis we detect the metabolite THC-COOH.
Company Testing
HOW CAN I BUY AN EXAM?
There are two options: you can either buy directly through our website with a credit card or choose to be invoiced with up to 40 days to pay. If you are interested in the invoice option, please contact us at contact@laboratoriosodre.com.br
WHAT IS THE COMPANY PORTAL AND WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
When a company buys our exams, it receives access to our portal to manage all toxicological exams, including to generate test vouchers for employees, to check the status of each test, to perform financial management of your account and also to access several strategic indicators.
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER THE PURCHASE?
Access your Company Portal with the login and password you have received and generate the test voucher by selecting a collection spot, or you can perform the collection at your own facility using our collection guide. After this is done, you can print the test voucher or send it directly to your employee.
CAN I USE THE TEST VOUCHER THAT WAS NOT USED AND GIVE IT TO ANOTHER EMPLOYEE?
Yes, you can do that at our Company Portal. First, you need to search for the employee’s test voucher and block it. These credits will go back to you, and now you can just generate a new one.
WHEN IS THE RESULT RELEASED?
In the Company Portal you can see the expected release date, which is counted from the receipt of the sample.
CAN I CHANGE THE COLLECTION SPOT I CHOOSE AFTER THE PURCHASE?
Yes, just do the same thing you have to do to change an employee’s test voucher. Access the Company Portal, search for the employee’s voucher and block it. The credits will come back to you, and now you just need to generate a new one by changing the collection spot.
Private Testing
WHAT IS A PRIVATE EXAM?
It is an exam not linked to any government agency or company. It is just for you to test the consumption of drugs in the body.
WHAT IS AN ANONYMOUS EXAM?
It is a toxicological examination with the same standard scope of drugs requested in Brazil. The difference is that it does not identifies the donor, making it possible to guarantee the anonymity of a child, friend, public person, etc.
CAN I REQUEST A TOXICOLOGICAL EXAMINATION ON MY CHILD (UNDERAGE)?
Yes. We can perform the hair drug test on children under 18, utilizing the standard scope of drugs requested in Brazil.
Sample Collection
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE COLLECTION?
No need to worry! There is no preparation. This collection is not invasive or contagious, and it is painless. You only need to have a sample of Head Hair or Body Hair with the minimum size and quantities. We kindly ask you to not exaggerate in the amount of gel, cream or deodorant to facilitate collection.
HOW IS THE COLLECTION DONE?
We require a small sample of head hair or body hair. For head hair, the collector cuts approximately 100-120 strands of hair from the crown of the donor’s head. The hair is cut as closed to the scalp as possible and it cannot be collected from areas you have recently shaved. For body hair, a cotton ball size is shaved from you body with a razor. If you do not meet these requirements, it is unfortunately not possible to perform the collection.
Results
WHAT IS THE TURNAROUND TIME?
The online report can be accessed on our website or it can be sent directly to your email. Samples received by us will report with 1-3 consecutive days. Our production laboratory works 24/7.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN THE REPORT IS READY?
You can check the progress of the analysis online. After the collection is done, you will receive a Collection Protocol containing information about your exam, the login and password to access the site. If you prefer, you can return to the collection site and request a printed report.
WHAT DOES CONFIRMATION MEAN? DOES IT CHANGES THE TURNAROUND TIME?
It is a process of reanalysis of the sample. It can be a repetition or confirmation of the result. It serves to guarantee the rigorous quality standard. When a test status says “confirmation”, the turnaround time for releasing the report may suffer an increase of two to four days.
Purchasing
HOW CAN I BUY A TEST?
You can buy it online or please contact us at contact@laboratoriosodre.com.br
WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT OPTIONS?
You can pay using a credit card with up to 5 installments without interest, or you may check with the collection site if they have another option.