Urine Today, Your Hair 2021

It took an act of Congress and six years of waiting, but federal guidelines for hair sample drug testing in the trucking industry will finally be available in 2021.

The FAST Act (Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act) was signed into law in December 2015. It included provisions for highway safety improvements, including programs to reduce fatalities and injuries. The act directed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue guidelines for hair sample drug testing within one year. That deadline passed, but the need remains. The Federal Register published notice of the guidelines on Sept. 10, allowing a 60-day public comment period. That period closed on Nov. 9.

Hair, There and Everywhere by 2021

Drivers may be required to submit to hair testing for pre-employment screenings and random testing. Section 5402 of the act allows employers to request this test. Drivers who apply to companies requiring hair sample testing must comply. If they refuse, they may be flagged in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Hair testing serves as a “lifestyle” test rather than a short-term detection method like urine testing. Unlike urine tests, which detect substances for only a few days, hair sample tests reveal drug use for months. According to Tim Thoelecke Jr., founder of InOut Labs, “Substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, and opiates leave the body within 72 hours. However, hair sample tests can still detect them long after.”

Every human has millions of hair follicles across their head and body. Since each follicle contains a blood vessel that supports hair growth, metabolized drugs enter the hair strand through the bloodstream. Consequently, drug traces remain visible in hair samples over time.

Moreover, hair testing covers a broader range of substances. Thoelecke explains, “Typical drug screens for commercial carriers check for amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, and PCP.” At InOut Labs, testers follow strict thresholds, ensuring accurate and reliable results. If drug levels exceed the approved limit, the test immediately flags them as positive.

Hair is Everywhere

Many industries rely on hair sample drug testing. Federal agencies, schools, businesses, and courts use it for probation, parole, and diversion programs.

Compared to other methods, hair testing provides several key benefits. It detects drug use for up to 90 days, offering a much longer detection window than urine tests. Authorized lab personnel handle the collection process, making it nearly impossible to cheat. Since individuals cannot substitute hair samples, the results remain highly reliable.

Despite its advantages, federal regulations still permit only urine testing. Until officials finalize new guidelines, hair testing remains unauthorized for federally regulated drug screening.

About InOut Labs

InOut Labs is a full-service C/TPA that provides complete compliance systems for the transportation industry. We ensure compliance with FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

We also offer a number of drug screen services, available nationwide, for organizations and individuals.   

We make testing painless. Call us today at 847-657-7900.  

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