Posted on 15th Apr 2010 @ 9:53 AM

1. What is hair screening? A test for substance abuse that utlizes a
small sample of hair to identify specific drugs used by the person being
tested. It is the most accurate method of detecting substance abuse. The
lab's state-of-the-art hair screening method uses enzyme-immunoassay
(EIA). EIA measures the drug molecules permanently entrapped in the hair
which were incorporated following introduction into the body and
subsequent adsorption into the bloodstream.

2. How effective is hair screening in detecting drug users? In
side-by-side comparison studies with urinalysis, the cocaine, PCP,
opiates, and methamphetamine assays have proven hair analysis far more
effective than urine in identifying low-level drug use. The marijuana
screen is currently less sensitive than the other drugs in identifying
low level drug users, but is considered roughly equal to urinalysis in
identifying marijuana users.

3. What drugs can be detected in a standard hair screen? Cocaine
(cocaine & benzoylecgonine), marijuana, opiates (Codeine, Morphine &
6-monacteyl morphine), methamphetamine (Meth/amphetamine & Ecstasy), and
phencyclidine (PCP). These five drug classes are mandated for testing by
the Federal Government.

4. How do drugs get into hair? As drugs circulate in the blood stream,
they enter and nourish hair follicle cells. As the cells grow, they trap
the drug molecules within the hair cells and are eventually "sealed" in
the keratinized hair shaft. Thus, the amount and time the drug(s) are in
the blood stream can be evaluated from a hair sample.
 
5. What time period does a standard test cover? A standard screen covers
a period of approximately 90 days. The hair sample is cut as close to
the scalp as possible and the most recent 1.5 inches are tested.

6. How does hair screening compare to urinalysis? One major advantage is
the wider window of detection available with hair. Cocaine,
methamphetamine, opiates and PCP are rapidly excreted and usually
undetectable with urinalysis beyond 72 hours after drug use. The
detection period for hair is limited only by the length of the hair
sample and is approximately 90 days for a standard screen. Additional
advantages if hair screening are (1) non-intrusive collection procedures
(2) virtual elimination of test evasion (3) greater accuracy through
test repetition capability. The combination of an increased window of
detection and resistance to evasion makes hair far more effective than
urinalysis in correctly identifying drug users.