Hair Sample Drug Test: How It Works & the Collection Procedure

A hair sample drug test is a type of testing that can detect drug classes through a sample of hair. It is known for its ability to trace drug metabolites over an extended period. Accordingly, the process works by analysing hair specimens. It uses laboratory methods to detect the presence of substances. Furthermore, the sample collection process is crucial. The hair is cut close to the scalp. It usually requires 90-120 hair strands, typically the diameter of a pencil.

Drug usage is a pervasive issue, affecting millions of people. Hence, drug testing methods are essential to identify individuals who may be under the influence of substances. The standard testing methods may include urine testing, oral fluid testing, and blood testing. However, hair testing is becoming increasingly popular due to its longer detection window. It can detect drug use for up to 90 days. The following sections will present hair drug testing, how it works, and the hair collection procedure.

What is a Hair Sample Drug Test?

A hair sample drug test is a method of drug testing. It analyses a small sample of hair for traces of drug use over some time. Accordingly, it can detect illegal drugs, prescription medications, and alcohol misuse. It provides a history of drug use, typically extending up to three months. Nevertheless, the process involves taking hair specimens and sending them to a laboratory for analysis.

Professionals in various fields commonly use hair drug tests. Many companies conduct pre-employment or random drug testing. Hair follicle testing is favoured for its ability to detect drug use over a lengthy period. In legal cases (legal testing or forensic testing), hair tests can provide evidence of drug use. It can be pivotal in making legal decisions.

Furthermore, various athletic and sports organisations resort to hair strand drug tests. It is to check athletes for banned substances and maintain fairness in sports. Also, facilities that treat individuals for substance abuse may use hair sampling tests to monitor their progress. It can be for signs of relapses or provide evidence of abstinence.

Advantages Over the Other Testing Methods

• Extended window of detection: It can detect drug usage over a much longer period, typically up to 90 days.
• Challenging to evade: The nature of hair testing makes it significantly harder for individuals to cheat or tamper with the sample.
• Non-invasive procedure: It involves cutting a small sample of head hair or body hair. Hence, it makes it generally more comfortable and less invasive.
• High accuracy: It measures the embedded drug molecules within the hair shaft. Thus, it leads to more reliable results.
• Applicable for various applications: The method is ideal for employment screening, legal and forensic analysis, monitoring, and compliance.

How Hair Sample Drug Tests Work

When an individual consumes drugs, these substances make their way into the bloodstream. Accordingly, it nourishes the hair follicles. As a result, traces of drugs become embedded in the fibres of the growing hair. The procedure for the hair sample drug test is methodical. Initially, the conductor collects a small sample of hair, usually from the head. These specimens are sent to a laboratory for testing.

In the testing facility, the samples undergo a series of testing. Typically, lab technicians will wash the hair specimens to remove external contaminants. Subsequently, it undergoes a two-step testing process. The first step involves screening the samples. It uses immunoassay techniques. Nevertheless, if it yields a positive result, the second step of the process occurs. It is for confirmatory testing.

The second step typically uses Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). It is a sophisticated analytical technique that accurately identifies and measures specific substances. After the testing process, the professional will interpret the test results. Subsequently, the laboratory will generate a report. The report will be forwarded back to the requesting party.

Detectable Substances

Hair sample testing can detect various substances. Foremost, it can identify the presence of illicit drugs. These substances may include cocaine, marijuana metabolite, heroin, methamphetamine, and ecstasy. It provides a clear picture of unlawful drug consumption.

The testing method can also monitor the presence of prescription medications. It may include detecting morphine, codeine, oxycodone, dexamphetamine, and benzodiazepines. These substances have the potential for abuse or misuse. Thus, it is essential to be detected. Additionally, hair testing can measure ethanol. It offers insights into alcohol consumption or alcohol abuse. Ethanol is an intoxicating agent in alcoholic beverages.

Collection Procedure for Hair Sample Drug Test

The collection procedure for hair sample drug tests is a meticulously designed process. Firstly, a collector identifies the most suitable area for sample collection. It is usually from the back of the head to maintain discretion. Then, the collector cuts a small bundle of hair close to the scalp using scissors or similar tools. It is about 90 to 120 strands (the diameter of a pencil) and about 1.5 inches.

After cutting, the collector places the specimen carefully in a secure envelope or container. The conductor will label it with the information of the individual and any relevant details. Nevertheless, this step is crucial for maintaining the chain of custody. It is a documentation process that tracks the sample from collection through laboratory analysis. It ensures that the sample has not been tampered with or contaminated.

Afterwards, the hair specimens are sent to a laboratory for hair analysis. Throughout the procedure, maintaining the integrity of the sample and ensuring the privacy of the individual is paramount. Overall, the meticulous nature of the collection process guarantees the high reliability and accuracy of hair testing.

Factors that Can Affect Hair Samples

The use of hair dyes, bleach, shampoos, and other hair treatments can impact the drug detection process. These substances can alter the chemical structures of the hair. It can mask the presence of drugs or lead to degradation of the drug molecules.

Additionally, individual differences in hair growth rates can affect the samples. Variations in growth rates can lead to discrepancies in the period the hair sample represents. Also, exposure to environments where drugs are present can result in the external contamination of hair. Furthermore, hair colour and age can influence how drugs are incorporated into the hair.

Conclusion

Overall, hair sample drug tests are becoming more common in various industries. It is a type of testing that analyses hair specimens to detect the presence of substances. Companies, legal cases, sports organisations, and rehabilitation facilities commonly use hair testing. Accordingly, it provides advantages over the other methods. It is challenging to evade, non-invasive, accurate and has a longer window of detection. Nevertheless, it works when the drugs get incorporated into the hair follicles once an individual consumes the substances.

The procedure initially starts with the collection of hair samples. Collectors typically collect 90 to 120 strands. Subsequently, the conductor will forward the specimens to a laboratory for testing. In the facility, the samples undergo a series of testing. These may include immunoassay and mass spectrometry techniques. It can detect illicit drugs, prescription medications, and ethanol. However, knowing the factors that can influence the hair samples is crucial.