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What To Expect When You Order a Hair Strand Test
When legal cases require drug and alcohol testing, precision and professionalism are critical. AttoLife, an independent UK-based laboratory, offers hair drug testing and hair alcohol testing as tried and tested solutions for the court room. Whether you’re a family law solicitor, a local authority, or another stakeholder in legal proceedings, understanding the hair strand drug test process is essential to ensure transparency and accuracy.
The Step-by-Step Process of a Hair Drug Test
A drug test using hair is designed to provide a detailed history of substance use, making it a preferred choice in legal scenarios. At AttoLife, the process begins with a consultation with your case manager, who will coordinate the earliest possible appointment and brief the donor thoroughly. This ensures all parties are fully informed before the collection takes place.
When the appointed officer arrives, they present their AttoLife ID badge to reassure the donor of the process’s legitimacy. They explain key steps, including:
- The sampling procedure.
- The amount of hair required.
- The need for before and after photos for documentation.
After confirming the donor’s identity, they will sign paperwork and sample envelopes to maintain the strict chain of custody required in legal testing.
Collecting the Hair Sample
For a hair strand test for drugs, samples are typically collected from the crown of the head, as this area offers the most consistent growth rate. Small sections, roughly the thickness of a phone charging cable, are carefully taken. If both drug and alcohol testing are needed, four samples may be collected to provide enough material for analysis.
In cases where head hair is unavailable or unsuitable, alternative sampling sites, such as the sides, fringe, or nape, may be used. For donors with very short hair, the collection site may be visible, but our team ensures the process is as discreet as possible. Additionally, body hair or nail sampling can be used if head hair isn’t viable.
Securing the Samples
Once collected, the samples are sealed in tamper-proof envelopes. These envelopes are signed by the donor to maintain sample integrity. The entire procedure is documented with photographs before and after the collection, ensuring complete transparency.
The samples are then sent to AttoLife’s laboratory for analysis. Testing typically takes 3 to 5 days, after which a comprehensive report is prepared, including an expert witness statement. Results are shared securely, making the drug test through hair process both efficient and dependable.
Hair Drug Testing for Legal Cases
A hair drugs test offers several advantages, particularly for legal purposes. Unlike other methods, hair drug tests in the UK can detect substance reliably up to 6 months - which looks like 6 cm of hair. For a more detailed breakdown, the hair can be segmented into 6 single centimetre batches that can be tested to show a trend in drug usage. This makes them invaluable for family law solicitors and local authorities seeking to establish patterns of substance use in child custody disputes, care proceedings, or other legal scenarios.
Hair Alcohol Testing for Legal Purposes
Hair alcohol testing provides valuable insights into patterns of alcohol consumption over time. This type of test can identify consistent alcohol use by measuring biomarkers such as ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl palmitate (EtPa) embedded in the hair. These markers are unique because they are only produced when alcohol is consumed, making them reliable for detecting chronic or excessive drinking. Hair alcohol testing is often requested alongside a hair drug test in family law cases or care proceedings where the impact of substance use on parenting or child welfare is a concern. The combination of both tests ensures a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s substance use history, supporting informed legal decisions.
Hair alcohol testing is not without some limitations. Certain treatments can damage the hair, letting the alcohol 'escape' while specific alcohol-containing hair sprays can 'add alcohol on.' One way to ensure maximum accuracy is to comabine hair alcohol tests with PEth blood testing, which is not affected by external factors. Learn more about this topic by watching our on demand webinar: Navigating the Limitations of Hair Testing for Drug and Alcohol Use in Child Law Proceedings.
Need More Information?
If you’re a family law solicitor or local authority in need of a reliable hair strand drug test, AttoLife is here to help. Contact us at info@attolife.co.uk or call 020 3551 1493 to discuss how our services can support your case.