Workplace Drug Testing Using Hair Samples

The 2006 document discusses the methodology and benefits of using hair samples for workplace drug testing. It highlights hair's advantages, such as a wide detection window and ease of collection, and the importance of a well-documented chain of custody. The document emphasizes the necessity of proper washing procedures to remove external contamination and the use of FDA-cleared screening assays. It addresses concerns about false positives and potential racial or color bias in hair testing, citing large-scale studies and a meta-analysis involving over 57,200 cases that found no evidence of such biases. The document concludes that with appropriate sample preparation, including extensive washing and analysis of washes, hair testing can be a reliable method for detecting drug use in the workplace. It also provides criteria for confirming positive samples for various drugs, ensuring the validity of the testing process.