According to Omega Laboratories, hair testing reveals ingestion of drugs by measuring the molecules of drugs that are embedded in the hair shaft and cannot be compromised by external chemicals or shampoos.
Legal History
According to the International Journal of Drug Testing, expert testimony on hair analysis was first used in a U.S. legal court in 1986 to identify cocaine metabolite.
Identification
Hair testing can identify the use of marijuana, cocaine, morphine, codeine, methamphetamine and phencyclidine (PCP) to detect prior drug use by the hair donor.
Significance
According to Omega Laboratories, because it is the hair molecules that are tested, there is no chance of external contamination or alteration of test results.
Features
Hair testing has been used to detect criminal drug activity in felons and child-custody cases and by parents who suspect their children of drug use as well as by employers.
Considerations
Hair testing can detect drug use 4 to 5 days after ingestion. One-quarter inch of hair will detect drugs used in the previous 2 weeks, and body hair may be tested if head hair is not available.
