Hair Sample Drug Testing?!?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in ICU and EMS.

I went to a job fair, and landed two interviews. When I got home, I was reading over the paperwork that was handed out, and noticed that the drug test at this particular facility is done on a hair sample. Now, I have absolutely nothing to hide... I'm just thinking that must be awfully expensive compaired to a urine test!?!? Is this what hospitals are going towards? I guess it provides a better picture of the applicant since it covers a larger time span.

Huh. Interesting.

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Specializes in med/surg- sub-acute, LTC,ICU,.

This is becoming a new trend due to people becoming increasingly good at getting around urine tests or abstaining for two weeks or so in order to pass the test. Good Luck.

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I've often wondered what such facilities do for men who shave their heads? Do they only do a urine test? Would men who shaved their heads prior to the test become suspect?

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Specializes in Home Health, Nursing Education.
I've often wondered what such facilities do for men who shave their heads? Do they only do a urine test? Would men who shaved their heads prior to the test become suspect?

And then maybe they use pubic hair- but between that and other body hair,doesnt it regenerate itself more rapidly... if you have more than a lightening bolt or heart, that is!!:lol2:

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We were told they could pull hair from anywhere... arms, legs, back, whatever you have. So unless you plan to shave EVERYTHING, I'm sure they can get what they need. Btw, in my facility, this is only if you miss the urine screen...

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.

I agree with hair follicle testing. I have worked for two systems here and one did hair follicle testing and the one I work for now doesn't...I'll be honest, it surprised me.

Yes, it is way more expensive, but way more accurate.

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I guess that means "Ancient Egyptians and those with alopecia universalis need not apply." :rolleyes:

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We were told they could pull hair from anywhere... arms, legs, back, whatever you have. So unless you plan to shave EVERYTHING, I'm sure they can get what they need. Btw, in my facility, this is only if you miss the urine screen...

Good to know. If I'm ever asked to provide a hair sample I'll be sure to let them know they can take it from arms rather than snipping it from my head and messing up my pretty do :lol2:

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

My husband, an engineer gets random drug sampling and it is ALWAYS hair. Does not matter at all where the hair comes from, but it goes back many, many months. Is much more pricey, but guarentees a negative screen as you can't wash it out.

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.
Good to know. If I'm ever asked to provide a hair sample I'll be sure to let them know they can take it from arms rather than snipping it from my head and messing up my pretty do :lol2:

A good tester knows how to take a snip of hair to where you can't see it.

100 hairs are necessary for the test...that is about what you lose in a day.

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I've been told that even if you can't provide a hair sample, you can always provide a blood sample.

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.
I've been told that even if you can't provide a hair sample, you can always provide a blood sample.

That would be the case if you had no hair....at all.

But the blood doesn't show drugs that you have used 5 months ago.

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