Hair Strand Drug Test (Hair Follicle)

What is a Hair Drug Test for Truck Drivers?

A hair strand drug test (Hair Follicle) is a method of detecting the presence of drugs or their metabolites in a person’s system by analyzing a small sample of hair. It is a highly accurate and non-invasive form of drug testing that has gained popularity in various sectors, including the transportation industry, where it is often used for testing truck drivers.
If you are looking for Urine Drug test – Urinalysis Drug Testing click here.

Overview of Hair Follicle Drug Test

A hair follicle drug test involves taking a small hair sample, usually about 100-120 strands, and analyzing it in a laboratory to identify the presence of drugs or their metabolites. The hair sample is typically collected from the crown of the head, and the most recent 1.5 inches of growth are examined, which represents approximately 90 days of drug use history.

Hair follicle tests can detect a wide range of drugs, including:

• Amphetamines
• Methamphetamine
• Cocaine
• Opiates (such as morphine, codeine, and heroin)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Marijuana (THC)

Advantages of Hair Follicle Drug Test

Compared to other drug testing methods, hair follicle drug tests offer several advantages:

• Longer detection window: Hair follicle tests can detect drug use within a 90-day period, whereas urine and saliva tests have shorter detection windows, typically ranging from a few hours to a few days.
• Non-invasive: Hair sample collection is less intrusive compared to urine or blood sample collection.
• Difficult to cheat: Hair follicle tests are more challenging to tamper with, as hair samples cannot be easily substituted or altered.
• Detection of patterns: Hair tests can provide information on patterns of drug use, making it easier to identify chronic users.

Hair Follicle Drug Test and Truck Drivers

Truck drivers in the USA are subject to drug testing regulations set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations are aimed at ensuring the safety of both truck drivers and the general public by preventing drug-impaired driving. Currently, the primary method of drug testing for truck drivers is a urine test.

However, there have been discussions about implementing hair follicle drug testing for truck drivers due to its advantages over urine tests. In 2016, a proposed rule was put forward by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to include hair testing as an optional method for federal workplace drug testing programs. If this rule is finalized and adopted by the DOT and FMCSA, hair follicle drug testing may become more common among trucking companies.

Pros and Cons for Truck Drivers

The potential implementation of hair follicle drug testing for truck drivers has generated mixed opinions:

Pros:

• Enhanced safety: Hair follicle tests can detect drug use within a longer period, helping to identify truck drivers with substance abuse issues and ensuring the safety of both drivers and the public.
• Harder to cheat: The difficulty of tampering with hair samples can lead to more accurate test results and a reduced likelihood of false negatives.

Cons:

• Potential for false positives: Hair follicle tests may result in false positives due to external contamination (e.g., exposure to second-hand smoke) or other factors.
• Invasion of privacy: Some argue that the longer detection window may infringe upon the privacy rights of truck drivers by providing information about their personal lives outside of the workplace.

DNA Legal has written about potential false positive on their website here.

In conclusion, hair follicle drug testing offers several advantages over traditional drug testing methods and has the potential to increase safety in the trucking industry. However, concerns about privacy and the possibility of false positives need to be carefully considered before implementing this testing method on a wider scale.
Learn more about Drug Screening Here.