Abstract: A method and a buffer solution are set forth for testing for cannabinoid analytes extracted form a hair sample using enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). The method includes preparation of a hair extract cocktail using an inorganic base and aliphatic alcohol and thereafter adding the buffer according to the present invention including at least one of (a) a phosphate buffer, (b) proteinaceous substance, (c) a non-ionic surfactant and (d) a polyhydric alcohol. The buffered solution is evaporated and analyzed using ELISA. By using ELISA to determine clearly negative samples, expensive confirmatory testing can be reserved for only those samples determined to be not clearly negative.

Abstract: A method for conducting a screening test series for indications of use of drugs of abuse is set forth including enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay (RAI) for various analytes extracted from hair samples is set forth. The collected hair sample is divided into portions. One portion is screened cannabinoids using ELISA. Another portion is screened for opiates, PCP, amphetamines and methamphetamines using a combination of RIA or ELISA. Results deemed positive from the screening series are confirmed positive or negative by known techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Those deemed negative are so reportable without the necessity of the expensive confirmatory procedures.