Hair Follicle

What is Hair Follicle Testing?

Hair follicle drug testing is considered one of the most effective and reliable methods for detecting patterns of drug use over an extended timeframe, typically up to 90 days. This method is non-invasive and involves the analysis of a small sample of hair, which can be collected from the scalp or other areas of the body. The test looks for drug metabolites that become embedded in the hair shaft as it grows, providing a thorough record of an individual’s substance use history. One of the main advantages of hair testing is its ability to reveal a broader window of drug use compared to other testing methods, such as urine or saliva tests. While urine or saliva tests generally indicate drug use within a shorter period—usually just a few days—hair follicle testing can trace substance use patterns over a much longer duration. This extended detection window makes hair testing an ideal choice for various applications, including legal proceedings, workplace drug screening, and forensic investigations. Moreover, hair follicle drug testing can be particularly useful in situations where long-term substance use needs to be assessed, such as in rehabilitation programs, custody disputes, or employment screenings. The comprehensive nature of this testing method allows employers and legal authorities to make informed decisions based on a more accurate representation of an individual’s drug use history. In conclusion, hair follicle drug testing offers a unique and effective approach to detecting drug use, providing valuable insights that other testing methods might miss. Its reliability, non-invasive collection process, and extensive detection window make it a preferred option in many contexts.

Why Choose Hair Follicle Testing?

Long Detection Window – Detect drug use for up to 3 months.

Tamper-Resistant – Extremely difficult to cheat or adulterate.

Court-Admissible Results – Meets legal standards for probation, child custody, compliance cases, and more..

Non-Invasive Collection – Quick and discreet hair sample collection.

Fast Turnaround – Results typically available in 1-3 business days, once received by the lab.

Our Process

1. Appointment Setup – Book online or call to schedule a convenient testing time.

2. Sample Collection – A certified collector will cut a small hair sample (1.5 inches) from the scalp or alternative body location.

3. Lab Analysis – Samples are securely shipped to a SAMHSA-certified laboratory for analysis.

4. Results Delivery – Receive secure, easy-to-read results via email or your client portal.

Who Uses Hair Follicle Testing?

Courts & Legal Systems – For probation, child custody, or mandated screenings

Employers – As part of pre-employment or random drug testing programs

Parents or Guardians – For peace of mind or intervention purposes

Rehabilitation Centers – To track client progress

Government Agencies – For compliance with regulatory programs

FAQs About Hair Follicle Testing

A hair follicle test is a type of drug screening that examines a small sample of hair to identify the presence of drugs or their metabolites in a person’s system. Unlike urine or saliva, which typically detect recent drug use (usually within a few days), a hair follicle test offers a long-term perspective on substance use, revealing usage over the past 90 days or even longer.

Hair follicle testing is one of the most effective and reliable methods for detecting drug usage over an extended period. It has several advantages over other drug testing methods, especially regarding its detection window, resistance to tampering, and accuracy of results.

The detection window for a hair follicle test typically ranges from around 7-90 days. 

Yes, in certain case body hair can be used in place of head hair.

Generally results are returned within 7-10 business days after test collection.

The number one method to ensure you pass your hair follicle test is to NOT USE DRUGS!

While nothing is 100%, today there are no commercial adulterants known to have a significant effect on test results. Chemicals such as hair dye, bleach, shampoos, etc. are all stripped from the hair during the cleaning process at the lab.