Sources of hair that can be sampled:
(1) Scalp hair.
(2) Body hair (axilla, pubic area, beard, torso, extremities).
Factors affecting scalp hair:
(1) length
(1a) Longer hair covers a longer period. Try to collect hair that is 1.5 cm or longer. The lock of hair collected should approximate the diameter of a pencil.
(1b) Shorter hair requires that more strands be collected.
(2) hair treatment with chemicals or dyes
(3) curliness
Steps:
(1) Identify the site for collection, trying to select an area that will not affect cosmesis.
(2) Clean the scissors with alcohol.
(3) Cut the hair as close to the skin as possible. Do not cut the donor’s skin.
(4) If dealing with long scalp hair, try to keep the proximal (root) ends aligned.
(5) If the hair is curly then wrapping the hair in foil prior to collection may make the hair easier to handle.
(6) Place the hair on the aluminum foil.
(7) Fold the foil over the hairs. If dealing with scalp hair leave the proximal ends exposed for about 0.6 cm.
(8) Place the foil in the specimen pouch.
(9) Seal the pouch flap with the label from the chain of custody form. Have the donor initial and date the label.
(10) Complete the chain of custody form.
(11) Ship the specimen securely as soon as possible, preferably on the day of collection.
