New drug test needs only a few strands of hair

3News New Zealand

A new drug test available in New Zealand detects three months' worth of drug use from a few strands of hair.

It is aimed at parents worried about their teenagers, but many say it could breach all kinds of privacy.

The new drug testing kit will eliminate the need for a urine or blood sample, as all it takes is a few strands of hair.

The result will reveal a history of all drugs consumed in the last three months, a big improvement on the current tests which only go back a couple of days.

The importers say they acted after constantly fielding calls from parents worried about teenage drug use.

"They're solely designed as a tool for parents to help them prevent their kids getting addicted to drugs," says Nick McCleay, NZ Drug Detection Agency.

But Children's Commissioner John Angus worries some parents will sneak hair samples from pillows and hairbrushes without their kids' permission.

"I think obtaining that in an underhand and dishonest way is going to get in the way of the sort of relationship that's going to help them deal with the issues with drugs that they've got," he says.

Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff agrees it is not a good look.

The $225 test can show up all kinds of illicit drugs, and how often in the last three months they were consumed. Results are then available online.

The importers are urging parents to be honest and upfront with their teens.

"These kits are targeting parents and for parents to use them with their children after open and frank discussion about drug use," says Mr McCleay.

Hair follicle drug testing is used frequently by employers and law enforcement agencies in the USA, but the NZ Drug Detection Agency says that won't be happening here – at least not just yet.