Hair Follicle Drug Screening: What to Expect

When it comes to drug testing, hair follicle drug screening is a method that many businesses and legal professionals rely on for its accuracy and extended detection window. Understanding what this test involves can help you prepare and know what to expect if you or someone you represent needs to undergo this type of screening. This article breaks down the process, what substances can be detected, and practical tips for navigating the test.

Understanding Hair Follicle Drug Screening

Hair follicle drug screening is a laboratory test that analyzes a small sample of hair to detect drug use over a period of time. Unlike urine or saliva tests, which typically detect recent drug use within days, hair follicle tests can reveal drug consumption over the past 90 days or more. This makes it a valuable tool for employers, legal entities, and other organizations that require a comprehensive view of an individual's drug history.

The process involves collecting about 100-120 strands of hair, usually from the crown of the head. If head hair is unavailable, body hair can sometimes be used as an alternative. The sample is then sent to a lab where it undergoes chemical analysis to identify drug metabolites embedded in the hair shaft.

This method is favored for its non-invasive collection, difficulty to adulterate, and longer detection window. It also provides a timeline of drug use, which can be critical in legal or employment contexts.

Hair sample collected for follicle drug screening

How Hair Follicle Drug Screening Works

The science behind hair follicle drug screening is straightforward. When drugs enter the bloodstream, they metabolize and circulate throughout the body. Some of these metabolites reach the hair follicles and become trapped in the hair shaft as it grows. Since hair grows approximately half an inch per month, a 1.5-inch hair sample can provide a 90-day history of drug use.

The lab uses a two-step process:

1. Screening Test: An initial immunoassay test detects the presence of drug metabolites.

2. Confirmatory Test: If the screening is positive, a more specific test such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) confirms the results.

   
   

This two-tiered approach ensures accuracy and reduces the chance of false positives.

Collection is quick and painless, requiring only a small hair sample. The sample is cut close to the scalp to ensure the most recent hair growth is tested. The collected hair is then stored and transported under strict chain-of-custody protocols to maintain sample integrity.

What Shows Up on a Hair Follicle Test?

Hair follicle drug tests can detect a wide range of substances. The most commonly tested drugs include:

• Marijuana (THC)

• Cocaine

• Opiates (such as heroin, morphine, codeine)

• Amphetamines (including methamphetamine and MDMA)

• Phencyclidine (PCP)

  
  

Some labs also test for additional substances like benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and synthetic opioids, depending on the testing panel requested.

The test detects drug metabolites, which are the byproducts formed when the body processes drugs. This means the test can identify drug use even if the parent drug is no longer present in the system.

It is important to note that hair treatments such as bleaching, dyeing, or perming can sometimes affect test results, but labs have methods to account for these factors.

Laboratory equipment analyzing hair samples for drug metabolites

Preparing for a Hair Follicle Drug Test

If you know you will be undergoing a hair follicle drug test, preparation is key. Here are some practical steps to consider:

• Avoid drug use: Since the test detects drug use over several months, abstaining from drugs well in advance is the most reliable way to pass.

• Inform the tester of any medications: Prescription or over-the-counter medications can sometimes affect results. Providing a list of medications can help avoid misunderstandings.

• Be honest about hair treatments: If you have recently dyed or chemically treated your hair, inform the testing personnel.

• Understand the collection process: Knowing that the sample is taken from the crown of the head can help you prepare your hair accordingly.

• Ask about alternative samples: If you have very short hair or no head hair, ask if body hair can be used instead.

  
  

Avoid any products or methods that claim to "cleanse" hair of drug metabolites, as these are often ineffective and can raise suspicion.

Interpreting Hair Follicle Drug Test Results

Once the lab completes the analysis, results are typically reported as positive or negative for each substance tested. A positive result indicates drug use within the detection window, while a negative result means no drug metabolites were found.

If a test is positive, the individual or organization can request a retest or review the chain of custody to ensure accuracy. Confirmatory testing reduces the risk of false positives, but it is important to handle results with care and confidentiality.

For businesses and legal professionals, understanding the limitations and strengths of hair follicle drug screening helps in making informed decisions. The test is highly reliable but should be part of a broader assessment that considers context and other evidence.

Why Choose Burlegacy Labs & Services for Your Testing Needs

Burlegacy Labs & Services offers reliable and comprehensive drug, DNA testing, and background checks tailored to meet the needs of businesses and legal professionals. Our mobile services make testing convenient and accessible, ensuring compliance and clear answers for all parties involved.

By choosing a trusted provider, you ensure that testing is conducted with the highest standards of accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism. Whether you require hair follicle drug screening or other testing services, Burlegacy Labs & Services is committed to supporting your goals with dependable results.

Understanding the hair follicle drug screening process helps you navigate testing with confidence. From sample collection to interpreting results, knowing what to expect ensures transparency and trust in the process. For those seeking reliable testing services, partnering with a reputable lab like Burlegacy Labs & Services provides peace of mind and professional support.