Hair Drug Test

We use a small sample of hair cut at the scalp. Hair analysis evaluates the number of drug metabolites embedded inside of the hair shaft.

Each 1/2 inch of head hair provides a 30-days history of drug use. The standard for the industry is to test 1.5 inches, which provides a 90-day history of the donor’s drug use.

Hair Testing FAQ

What is Hair Drug Testing?

Hair growth is fed by the bloodstream, which is why analyzing a small sample of hair allows us to determine ingestion of drugs. We measure drug molecules embedded inside the hair shaft, eliminating external contamination as a source of a positive test result.

What drugs are included in a standard Hair Drug Test?

Cocaine, marijuana, opiates (codeine, morphine & 6-monoacteylmorphine), methamphetamine (Methamphetamine & Ecstasy), and phencyclidine (PCP)

Does body hair give the same type of results as head hair?

Yes, body hair can be used to test for the five standard drug classes, though body hair growth patterns are different from head hair.

Does hair color affect results?

Hair color is determined by the amount of melanin in the hair. It has been shown experimentally, through actual hair samples, as well as determined in court that hair color has NO basis in fact.

How soon after use can a drug be detected in hair?

It takes approximately 4-5 days from the time of drug use for the affected hair to grow above the scalp. Body hair growth rates are generally slower and cannot be utilized to determine a time frame of drug use.