Pre-employment drug testing; urine vs hair

Published

Hello all!

I was just hired at a hospital and I am assuming that I will be drug tested.

I don't mind at all, but I was wondering has anyone here ever had their hair tested instead of urine?

I assume it'll be a urine test because it's cheaper, but you never know.

I have no worries about failing, I just have hair down to my butt and I really don't want a good chunk of it cut to my scalp..

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health.

I've never been hair tested, and I think it's only done to confirm a history. I've only done urine. From what I've heard about hair, they pull out a hair rather than cut off a chunk. Don't worry, and drink plenty of water before the drug test.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I've never been hair tested, and I think it's only done to confirm a history. I've only done urine. From what I've heard about hair, they pull out a hair rather than cut off a chunk. Don't worry, and drink plenty of water before the drug test.

they PULL it out?! ouch!

My mom was hair tested for her job (at a grocery store of all places...) and they cut good chunk of hair about 1/4 inch from her scalp. It was at the base of her neck so it wasnt super obvious but still..

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Let me Google that for you. "A standard screen with GC/MS confirmation requires 40+ milligrams of hair or approximately 50 - 70 strands that are up to 3.9cm (or 1.5 inches) in length."

Even an old broad like me could afford 50-70 strands, you seem to have strands to spare.

They won't scalp ya. Try to relax. Best of luck with the new job! Let us know how it's going.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in retired LTC.

I'd be more concerned because I'm not a 'pee-er on command' type person to give a urine spec. I try to take a urine spec with me from home whenever I have a doctor appt that I think will need a spec.

Take a chunk of my hair, because you'll prob be waiting until 'the cows come home' waiting for me to pee.

I'm thinking about those folk, like truckers, D&A programees, MILITARY, etc who have to give random specimens. NOT for ME!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I'd be more concerned because I'm not a 'pee-er on command' type person to give a urine spec. I try to take a urine spec with me from home whenever I have a doctor appt that I think will need a spec.

Take a chunk of my hair, because you'll prob be waiting until 'the cows come home' waiting for me to pee.

I'm thinking about those folk, like truckers, D&A programees, MILITARY, etc who have to give random specimens. NOT for ME!

I have difficulty also with pee on demand. Do note that if you are ever injured on the job, if there is ever a narc count discrepancy that cannot be reconciled, you could be required to give a sample. This happened to me when I hurt my back at work. I could barely get back to the nursing station. My unit manager told me to go home, but she was required to have me stop by employee health first. You have to find a way to give the sample per their protocol.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Let me Google that for you. "A standard screen with GC/MS confirmation requires 40+ milligrams of hair or approximately 50 - 70 strands that are up to 3.9cm (or 1.5 inches) in length."

Even an old broad like me could afford 50-70 strands, you seem to have strands to spare.

They won't scalp ya. Try to relax. Best of luck with the new job! Let us know how it's going.

Oh I guess that's not too bad then. When my Mom was hair tested they took a chunk the thickness of my middle finger (and I have chubby fingers!)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion