Sample Collection - Hair
The collection of a hair sample for an analysis of drugs of abuse, medical drugs or the alcohol marker ethylglucuronide is not a medical intervention. Hence it must not be carried out by medical staff. However, it should be performed by qualified trained persons according to recognized guidelines, for instance EA (European Co-operation for Accreditation) and the WDT-guidelines to avoid pre-analytical errors.
Two strands of hair from the back of the head about the width of a thin pencil are twisted and fastened with a string.
The hair is to be cut just above the skin, as close to the scalp as possible with clean pair of scissors. Record the length of the remaining segment of the head on the request form.
Put the hair strands on the aluminium foil provided with root end 1 cm beyond slanted end of the foil.
Fold the aluminium foil once.
Insert the aluminium foil into the envelope provided. Seal the envelope.
Fill in the donor´s particulars and the required analysis. Ask the donor to sign the envelope.
The packed hair shall be sent to the laboratory Krone (LabToxx) in an envelope by post or by the laboratory´s courier.
Hair should not be fixed with adhesive tape but arranged loosely and wrapped in the aluminium foil. Besides information regarding hair cosmetics (colouring, bleaching, hair spray etc) and consumed substances, the length of hair segment to be tested should be provided. Assuming a hair growth of 1 cm per month (head hair) the length of hair to be analyzed corresponds to the time during which consumption or abstinence should be demonstrated. So 6 cm of hair corresponds to approximately to 6 months. Alternative to head hair, body hair can be used.