Sample Collection Protocol

The portion of hair to be collected should be untreated, i.e. not permed, dyed or bleached. If all of the hair has been chemically treated, wait until sufficient new virgin growth has emerged to allow collection. The hair should also be free of all gels, oils and hair creams prior to sample collection. For those individuals environmentally and/or occupationally exposed to external contaminants, (welding, mining, etc...) special care should be taken to limit exposure between washing of the hair and the collection of the sampled hair.

High grade stainless steel scissors or thinning shears should be used to cut the hair as close to the scalp as possible. The length of the collected hair should not exceed one and one-half inches. The proximal portion (one and one-half inches closest to the root) should be retained and the excess discarded.

Note: The proximal portion is reflective of the most recent metabolic activity.

Upon cutting the sample, the hair should be placed directly into a clean hair specimen envelope normally provided by the laboratory and then sealed with the glue flap only. Do not use plastic bags in place of the standard paper envelopes to hold the hair specimen. In addition, do not use staples, paper clips, adhesive tape, aluminum foil or other metal and paper material of any kind to seal, secure or wrap the hair envelope and/or the hair specimen contained within.