In hair drug and alcohol testing, accuracy, integrity and traceability are essential. If the chain of custody of a hair sample is compromised, the reliability of the testing process may be questioned and results can potentially be delayed or challenged.
At Toxicology Solutions, we follow documented collection and handling procedures designed to protect the integrity of every sample from the point of collection through to its secure transfer to the testing laboratory.
3 ways we safeguard the chain of custody from collection to laboratory
1. Use a trained professional to collect the sample
Hair samples should be collected by appropriately trained personnel using established collection procedures.
At Toxicology Solutions, our collectors are trained in hair sample collection, donor identification, documentation, sample handling and chain of custody requirements. The collection process is designed to ensure the correct sample is obtained while minimising the risk of contamination, substitution or interference.
Once collected, the hair sample is carefully secured within the designated collection materials and sealed using tamper-evident packaging. The relevant documentation accompanies the sample, creating a traceable record from the donor through to the laboratory.
2. Confirm the donor’s identity and document the collection
Confirming that the sample belongs to the correct person is a fundamental part of chain of custody.
Where required, the donor’s identity is verified at the appointment using appropriate photographic identification. Collection documentation records important information including the donor’s details, sample information, collection date and the identity of the collector.
The donor is involved in the chain of custody process and relevant documentation is completed at the time of collection. Where an independent witness is required by a court, legal representative or other authorised party, additional witnessing arrangements can also be accommodated.
These safeguards help establish that the sample submitted to the laboratory can be reliably linked to the person who provided it.
3. Securely transfer the sample for laboratory analysis
Chain of custody does not end when the hair sample is collected.
Following collection, the sealed sample and associated documentation are securely prepared for transport to the approved testing laboratory. The sample remains sealed during transit, providing evidence of its integrity when it reaches the laboratory.
On receipt, the laboratory follows its own documented procedures for checking, registering, preparing and analysing the sample. Laboratory testing is performed using validated analytical methods, with results reported following completion of the required testing and review processes.
This provides traceability across the complete pathway — from the person providing the sample, through collection and transportation, to laboratory analysis and reporting.
Why chain of custody matters
An appropriately maintained chain of custody is particularly important when hair drug or alcohol testing may be relied upon for legal proceedings, Family Court matters, child protection, workplace investigations or other formal decision-making.
It provides documented evidence of who collected the sample, who provided it, how it was identified and sealed, and how it was transferred for analysis.
A strong chain of custody helps protect everyone involved in the testing process and supports confidence that the laboratory result relates to the sample collected from the identified donor.
The takeaway
At Toxicology Solutions, we understand that a hair test is more than simply collecting a sample. The integrity of the process surrounding that sample is equally important.
Through trained collection personnel, identity verification, documented procedures, tamper-evident packaging and secure transfer to the laboratory, we maintain a clear and traceable chain of custody from collection through to analysis.
For legal, workplace and personal testing, this provides confidence that every sample has been handled professionally, securely and with the integrity the testing process demands.
