Questions Answered: On Being A Hair Specimen Collector

For most people, the idea of a standard drug test involves peeing in a cup or submitting a saliva sample. When it comes to hair drug tests, a less common but also effective method of drug testing, questions begin to arise from employers, employees, and even those in hair collector training. Proper knowledge on the rules and procedures of the collection process and results are integral to achieving a successful hair drug test for all parties. Here, we will answer some of the most commonly asked questions on being a hair specimen collector.  

On Donors

• What if the donor has little to no hair? 

If it is not possible to collect the required minimum amount of hair from the donor’s head, collectors may opt to collect hair from other parts of the donor’s body, such as the underarm, leg, chest, or even facial hair. In the instance where there is a sparse amount of hair on all parts of the donor’s body, the collector may opt to collect small amounts of hair from different parts of the body and compile them into one adequate sample. Do note that head and body hair must not be mixed into a single sample. 

•  How should the donor be informed to prepare for the hair drug test?

The donor needs to simply follow regular hair hygiene practices before the hair drug test. A regular shower would do.

On Collecting

• How should the collector cut the sample from the donor’s hair? 

The hair collector must ideally collect a sample from the donor without disturbing how the donor’s hair originally looked before sample collection. To achieve this, choose an area usually at the back of the head, in a not-so-visible or obvious area, and carefully cut off the amount of hair required.