The Use of Hair Analysis in a Pretrial Diversion Program in New Orleans

Abstract

This article discusses the findings and implications regarding the use of hair assays to detect illegal drug use in a novel pretrial diversion program. The program, which requires participants to be drug abstinent, relies upon urinalysis, hair analysis, and self-reported drug use to monitor compliance. Hair analysis appears to be a more efficacious method of identifying drug exposure than either urinalysis or self-reported use. Furthermore, hair analysis provides several other advantages to program operations. No notable problems are reported in implementing the hair analysis protocols.