PubMed · 8034847
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D B Stough, C Schauder, J Randall. 1994. Mini/micrografting.. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.1994.tb03225.x
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Hair testing for drugs of abuse is a developing technology that offers the possibility of longer detection times than is commonly obtained with urine or blood analysis. There are many uncertainties concerning how drugs enter hair and factors that affect drug deposition and residence in hair. Possible routes of drug entry include diffusion from blood, sweat, sebum, and skin and entry from the environment. Evidence is reviewed regarding the importance of each of these routes as possible contributors to drug deposition in hair. Binding to specific sites in hair may involve both electrostatic forces and weaker attractions, such as van der Waals forces. Melanin and protein constituents of hair may serve as binding sites. Recent in vitro studies suggest that the color of hair or melanin content may be the major determinant of cocaine binding and, consequently, may result in color or ethnic bias in hair testing.
The standard in drug testing is the immunoassay screen, followed by a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry confirmation conducted on a urine sample. Recently sweat and hair analyses were proposed for identifying drug abusers. Specimens can be collected under close supervision without embarrassment and are not subject to evasive maneuvers. In contrast with urine, hair analysis has a wide window of detection, ranging from months to years, and provides information concerning the severity and pattern of an individual's drug abuse. Testing individuals for illicit drugs with sweat patches worn continually would provide effective coverage for a week. Studies conducted in a detoxification center have shown that hair analysis is more sensitive for detecting illicit drug use than is urine screening. My experience in drug testing is discussed in the light of the existing literature.