Why Hair Drug Testing is Becoming More Popular in the Workplace?

Drug testing has been a part of the hiring process for many companies for years, but it was primarily urine tests that were used. However, hair drug testing is becoming increasingly popular in the workplace.

What is Hair Drug Testing?

Hair drug testing is a method of testing for drug use by analyzing a small sample of applicant’s hair. This type of drug test is capable of detecting drug use from months prior, rather than days like urine tests. The reason for this is because when a person uses drugs, the drug metabolites get deposited into the hair follicle and remain there even as the hair grows.

How Does Hair Drug Testing Work?

When an employer requests a hair drug test, the employee will typically be asked to provide a sample of hair. The sample is then sent to a lab where it is analyzed for traces of drugs. Hair drug testing can detect a variety of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and more.

One of the benefits of hair drug testing is that it is difficult to cheat. Unlike urine tests, it is not easy to substitute a sample or dilute the results. Additionally, hair drug testing can detect drug use from further back in time, making it a more reliable indicator of long-term drug use.

Why is Hair Drug Testing Becoming More Popular in the Workplace?

There are a few reasons why hair drug testing is becoming more popular in the workplace:

1. More Accurate Results

As mentioned earlier, hair drug testing can detect drug use from further back in time, making it a more accurate indicator of long-term drug use. This is particularly important for employers who want to ensure a safe and productive workplace.

2. Reduced Liability

Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment for their employees. By implementing hair drug testing, employers can reduce their liability in the event of an accident or injury caused by an employee under the influence of drugs.

3. Cost-Effective

While hair drug testing may be more expensive than urine testing, it can be more cost-effective in the long run. This is because hair drug testing is less likely to produce false negatives, meaning that employers are less likely to miss instances of drug use and therefore less likely to face legal and financial repercussions.

4. Legal Compliance

In some industries, such as transportation and healthcare, drug testing is required by law. Hair drug testing is often preferred over urine testing in these industries because it is more accurate and less prone to manipulation.

Drawbacks of Hair Drug Testing

While hair drug testing has many benefits, there are also some drawbacks:

1. Cost

As mentioned earlier, hair drug testing is often more expensive than urine testing. This can be a deterrent for some employers, particularly smaller businesses with limited budgets.

2. Invasive

Hair drug testing requires the collection of a sample of hair, which can be seen as invasive by some employees. This can lead to reluctance or resistance from employees to participate in the testing.

3. False Positives

While hair drug testing is less likely to produce false negatives than urine testing, it is more likely to produce false positives. This can be problematic for employees who are unfairly accused of drug use and can lead to legal and financial repercussions for employers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hair drug testing is becoming more popular in the workplace for a variety of reasons. It is more accurate than urine testing, reduces liability for employers, is cost-effective in the long run, and is often required by law in certain industries. However, there are also drawbacks to hair drug testing, including its cost, invasiveness, and potential for false positives. As with any type of drug testing, employers should carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks before implementing hair drug testing in the workplace.