How To Successfully Challenge Hair Strand Results That Use Cut-Off Levels

Paul Hunter, Founder of FTS, and Sarah Branson, Barrister at Coram Chambers, provide guidance on how to successfully challenge hair strand testing (HST) evidence in court. They emphasise that while the underlying science of HST is sound, the key area for challenge is the interpretation of results.

Their discussion highlights how factors such as hair type, treatments, and contamination can impact drug findings, making it essential for experts to consider a full forensic history. This video critiques the reliance on arbitrary cut-off levels and calls for a more thorough approach, including additional testing methods like nail analysis. It stresses the importance of treating HST as expert evidence and ensuring courts receive a properly contextualised interpretation.