Why Cut-Off Levels in Hair Strand Testing Fail

Paul Hunter, Founder of FTS, and Sarah Branson, Barrister at Coram Chambers, examine the flaws in using cut-off levels in hair strand testing (HST), particularly in legal cases. They explain how these arbitrary thresholds are used to distinguish drug use from exposure, despite numerous external factors affecting drug incorporation into hair.

Their discussion highlights the discriminatory nature of cut-off levels, as hair colour and ethnicity can significantly impact test results, leading to potential miscarriages of justice. This video argues that rigid cut-off levels oversimplify complex scientific findings and fail to provide the full context required for accurate interpretation. Instead, expert analysis should consider environmental exposure, individual differences, and case-specific details to avoid misleading conclusions.