[smoo]

When a hair sample is needed for drug testing, can they take the hair sample from anywhere on the body? And it has to be pulled out, right? I was having a discussion about this and not sure of the answer...

TIA
Smoo

[TazziRN]

Head hair is preferred because of the length, and the follicle should still be attached.

[sirI]

Hello, smoo,

Normally, hair samples are collected approximately 1/4 inch from the scalp. If one has very short hair, there is a minimal amount of hair that should be collected.

[smoo]

What about if it is a male who shaves their head? My friends husband asked me this, and this is what started the whole conversation. I should have specified that in my original question, not thinking clearly today.....
Thanks
Smoo

[sirI]

Body hair can be utilized.

[smoo]

Originally Posted by siri

Body hair can be utilized.

Thanks siri

[sirI]

You are welcome, smoo.

Here are a couple links I found from different companies regarding hair testing:

http://www.tiullc.com/hairtestqa.html questions/answers

http://www.questdiagnostics.com/employersolutions/files/hair_testing_faq.pdf method of collection

[smoo]

Thanks Sire Those were interesting sites

Smoo