Determination of drug of abuse in

hair sample

TEJASWINI JADHAV

hair drug

testing

Drug and drug metabolite(s) are

incorporated into the hair matrix from the

bloodstream following drug use. Hair drug

testing detects drugs that are embedded in

the hair.

hair is needed for a hair drug test

A hair drug test with initial screen and confirmation requires 100 milligrams of hair (90 to

120 strands).

The test requires a hair sample of 1.5 inches in length. Each 0.5 inch represents 30 days. The hair sample must be cut as close

to the scalp as possible and the most recent 1.5 inches are tested.

Hair growth rates vary typically, head hair grows at an average of one-half inch per month. Therefore, a

1.5 inch hair sample detects drug use up to 90 days prior to testing.

`Time period does a hair drug test cover

 How soon after use can

a drug be detected in

hair?

Drug (and/or metabolite) can be detected approximately

seven to 10 days from the time of drug use. This is the time in which the affected hair grows

from the follicle to emerge above the scalp.

How effective is Hair Testing in detecting drug users?

In side-by-side comparison studies with urinalysis, hair drug testing has uncovered significantly more drug use. In two independent studies, hair drug testing uncovered 4 to 8 times as many drug users as urinalysis for evidence of drug use.

What is the shortest time period that can accurately be evaluated?

In most situations the minimum time period is approximately one month. A hair test does not determine drugs used on a particular day or week.

Studies indicate that head hair grows on average of 0.5 inches (1.3cm) per month. This growth rate varies slightly (estimated at ± 0.2 cm per month), consequently there is some (± 1 week) time variation possible. Head and body hair do not grow at the same rate; body hair grows at a slower rate.

How fast does head hair

grow?

• No, proprietary digestion method to remove virtually 100% of the drugs from the hair ids different, thereby increasing detection capabilities. Other laboratories may leach drug from the hair, leaving behind or destroying some of the drug in the process.

• Extensive wash procedure on test samples, and analyzes the wash to ensure that any potential contamination has been removed or taken into account.

Is all hair testing alike?

How are collections performed on candidates that use artificial hairpieces or attachments to their own hair?

Body hair can also be taken when hair from

those two sources is not available

The collection process allows the collector only to take the candidate’s

natural hair. Natural head hair or nape hair can be

taken

Commonly used hair procedures (e.g., shampoos, conditioners, sprays, mousses and gels) have no significant effect on results.

In fact, normal hair washing helps to remove external contamination.

Normal hair treatments such as bleaching, perming and dyeing generally will not significantly lower the quantitative results.affected.

If the protein matrix of the hair has been damaged to the point of breaking (cortex damage) the level of drug can be significantly

Does chemical treatment of the hair affect the test results?

• What is the shortest time period that can be accurately evaluated?The minimum time period is approximately one month (0.5 inch).

Hair can be collected from several head locations and combined to obtain the required amount of hair. If the head hair is too short, body hair can be used as a substitute. If body hair is used the timeframe represented by the test is approximately one year due to the different growth pattern in hair below the neck.

Can tests be run on people with little or no hair?

How does the test work?

Using the detailed instructions as a guide, collect a hair sample of approximately 90-120 hairs. Mail the hair sample to our laboratory, using the pre-addressed envelope provided. The laboratory will analyze the hair sample for evidence of drug use.

.

The hair not used from the time period being tested and all remaining hair is stored in the chain-of-custody sample acquisition pouch. Negative

hair is stored for approximately 1 month.

Positive hair is stored for five years

What is done with the excess hair that is not tested?

How do I ship the sample to the lab?

• Once you collect the hair, place them in the collection foil as directed in the instructions.

• Place the Collection Foil in the Hair Specimen Pouch provided in the kit. Seal the pouch with the small security label provided on the specimen ID card in the kit. Put initials and the date on the small security label (Place the rest of the Specimen ID card in a safe place, as you will need this ID number and passcode to register your test and obtain your results).

• Place sealed Hair Specimen Pouch into clear specimen bag provided and seal the bag

• Place sealed bag in into prepaid, pre-addressed envelope.

Once you collect the hair, place them in the

collection foil as directed in the instructions.

Put initials and the date on the small security label (Place the rest of the

Specimen ID card in a safe place, as you will need this ID

number and passcode to register your test and obtain

your results).

Place sealed Hair Specimen Pouch into clear specimen bag provided and seal the bagPlace sealed bag in into prepaid, pre-addressed envelope.

REGULATORY PERSPECTIVE

Under SAMHSA/NIDA’s current guidelines for federally-mandated testing, urine is the only

specimen included for testing certain government employees and that segment of private sector

testing that falls under the Department of Transportation or other agency guidelines. In a

November 2008 press release, SAMHSA states that HHS will continue to pursue substance abuse

testing using alternative matrices, including hair specimens, and anticipates issuing further

revisions to the Mandatory Guidelines addressing the use of hair specimens.

Is hair testing included in SAMHSA/NIDA guidelines?

Hair color is determined by the amount of melanin in the hair. It has been shown experimentally, through actual hair samples, as well as determined in court, that hair color has NO basis in fact.

Does hair color affect results?

Can external exposure to drugs (marijuana smoke,

crack smoke, etc.) have an effect on the hair test

results?

metabolite is only produced by the body and cannot be an environmental contaminant

Finally, sometimes Health Street gets calls from people who want a hair

test, but they have no head or body hair. A guy recently told us, “I shave from head to toe.” Well, how did he think we were going to perform the

test? We are still trying to figure that one out!

A hair test for a bald man?