Over 4.6% of U.S. employees tested positive for drugs in 2023, the highest rate in two decades. Yet federal guidelines still rely mainly on urine testing, which only detects recent use.
That’s about to change. In May 2025, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will release new federal guidelines allowing hair drug testing in regulated workplaces.
MedPhysicals Plus is ready to help employers adapt. With certified hair drug testing services, including accurate and court-admissible hair testing, we’re here to support your compliance strategy before these changes take effect.
A Federal Mandate Nearly a Decade in the Making
The push for hair testing began with the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act of 2015, which required the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish scientifically backed procedures for hair drug testing by 2017. However, ongoing concerns about scientific validity and potential racial bias in hair sample results delayed the release of guidelines for nearly a decade.
As noted in industry advocacy reports such as those from the Trucking Alliance, this delay has had real-world safety implications, particularly in sectors like commercial transportation where drug use can have deadly consequences.
Why Hair Testing Is Gaining Ground
Compared to urine or oral fluid testing, hair drug testing offers multiple advantages:
- Longer detection windows: Hair samples can detect drug use going back 90 days or more, making them ideal for identifying patterns of substance abuse, not just recent use.
- Lower risk of tampering: Because samples are collected under observation and cannot be substituted, hair testing reduces the chance of adulteration.
- Easy storage and transport: Hair samples do not require refrigeration and are easy to handle.
Addressing Concerns of Bias and Accuracy
Critics have raised concerns that hair color and texture may influence drug absorption, potentially leading to disproportionate positive results among individuals with darker or coarser hair. However, as outlined in the Federal Register’s 2020 guidelines, newer testing protocols and extensive hair-washing procedures aim to control for environmental contamination and surface-level drug exposure.
No definitive evidence has proven that hair color or type significantly impacts drug test outcomes when validated protocols are followed. Still, SAMHSA’s proposed guidelines are expected to include scientific safeguards to further ensure fairness and accuracy.
Certification and Compliance Ahead
Once the guidelines are finalized, only laboratories certified by the National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP) will be authorized to conduct federally approved hair drug testing. This ensures that results meet strict standards for reliability and scientific integrity.
Employers and organizations that want to begin incorporating hair testing should prepare now by partnering with compliant service providers.
MedPhysicals Plus Is Ready to Support You
At MedPhysicals Plus, we offer a comprehensive range of hair follicle services, including hair follicle drug testing for legal and workplace needs, as well as ChildGuard hair testing for passive exposure in sensitive child welfare cases. Our team stays up to date with federal changes so you can be confident that your testing meets the latest standards.
To schedule a test or speak with a specialist, contact your nearest MedPhysicals Plus location. Our experienced team is ready to guide you through the process with accuracy and confidentiality.