The Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) announced a new hair follicle drug testing service yesterday ? but is unaware of any organisations or associations who get drug tested.

When a BHB spokeswoman was asked yesterday if she knew of any groups that could use the hair analysis drug testing service, she said: ?I know many employers are doing it but I don?t have enough factual information at the moment to respond to your question.?

In a release the BHB said: ?As the sole agent for this service, BHB is pleased to offer the community a reliable tool that will accurately detect drug use, as well as help deter substance abuse.

?Uses for this method are broad. In addition to the workplace, accurate drug testing can be applied to athletics, criminal investigations and parents concerned about the safety of their children.?

BHB has partnered with Californian company Psychemedics Corporation to bring the service to Bermuda, it said, which was ?less invasive and more reliable than urine testing?.

It also said the hair test would be able to see if anyone had used illegal drugs up to three months ago but urine tests only could see drug use up to three days prior.

?When compared to urine testing, hair analysis identifies five to ten times as many drug abusers,? it said.

Health and Family Services Minister Patrice Minors will officially open the service today which will be followed by a free workshop about drug free work places ? presented by Psychemedics Corporation ? until 11.30 a.m. at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel, it said.

Director for Human Resources at BHB Scott Pearman said he was excited about offering this vital service as one step in combating substance abuse on our Island.

?Hair follicle testing is an excellent tool for assessing drug use,? Mr. Pearman said in the release.

?It must also be followed up with prevention education programmes, rehabilitative services and community support networks.?

Mr. Pearman also said while accurate drug testing was crucial for addressing the issue of drug use in the community additional support would be needed.