Hair Toxicology Testing for Chemicals, Toxins & Heavy Metals
The Carlson Company offers advanced hair sample testing packages designed to identify historical exposure to chemicals, toxins, pesticides, industrial contaminants, environmental pollutants, and selected heavy metals. Hair toxicology testing provides one of the most effective methods for investigating long-term exposure because substances can become incorporated into the hair shaft as it grows.
Unlike blood or urine testing, which often reflects only recent exposure, hair sample testing can provide a much longer detection window, making it valuable for forensic investigations, occupational exposure assessments, environmental contamination concerns, legal cases, and personal health investigations.
Our laboratory utilizes advanced analytical technologies, including Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), to deliver accurate, reliable, and confidential results.
Testing Packages and Pricing
The Carlson Company currently offers two comprehensive hair toxicology testing packages:
Panel-50 Chemicals & Toxins – Hair
- Screening for 50 targeted chemicals and toxins
- Call for pricing
Panel-100 Chemicals & Toxins – Hair
- Expanded screening for 100 chemicals and toxins
- Call for pricing
Click here to learn more about Panel-50 and Panel-100 Chemicals & Toxins.
Overview of Hair Toxicology Testing
Hair toxicology testing is a specialized laboratory analysis used to evaluate exposure to chemicals, toxins, pesticides, industrial contaminants, and other potentially harmful substances. As hair grows, chemical compounds circulating within the body may become incorporated into the hair shaft, creating a historical record of exposure.
Because hair grows approximately one-half inch per month, testing can often provide insight into exposure patterns extending weeks or months into the past. This makes hair sample testing particularly useful when recent exposure testing methods may no longer provide meaningful information.
Hair toxicology testing is commonly used for:
- Chemical exposure investigations
- Environmental toxin assessments
- Occupational exposure concerns
- Forensic toxicology investigations
- Personal exposure evaluations
- Legal and insurance matters
- Long-term toxin exposure screening
What Can Hair Sample Testing Detect?
Hair sample testing may help identify exposure to a broad range of substances depending on the testing panel selected.
Chemical Exposure
Testing may identify exposure to various industrial chemicals, solvents, and chemical byproducts that can accumulate within the body over time.
Environmental Toxins
Environmental contaminants from workplaces, homes, agricultural settings, and industrial environments may be detectable through hair analysis.
Pesticides & Herbicides
Many pesticide and herbicide compounds can be evaluated through advanced toxicology testing methods.
Industrial Chemicals & Solvents
Exposure to substances used in manufacturing, industrial processing, cleaning products, and chemical production may be identified through laboratory analysis.
Heavy Metal Exposure
Hair testing may also assist in evaluating historical exposure to selected heavy metals and environmental contaminants when appropriate testing panels are utilized.
Why Use Hair Sample Testing?
Hair toxicology testing offers several advantages compared to traditional biological testing methods.
Long Detection Window
Hair testing can often identify exposures that occurred weeks or months before testing, making it particularly valuable for historical exposure investigations.
Non-Invasive Collection
Only a small hair sample is required, allowing for a convenient and painless collection process.
Stable Sample Integrity
Hair samples are generally stable and easier to transport than many biological specimens.
Exposure History Assessment
Hair analysis can provide a broader view of exposure patterns compared to blood or urine testing, which typically reflect recent exposure.
Comprehensive Laboratory Analysis
Advanced testing technologies can identify both parent compounds and metabolites, helping provide a more complete toxicological assessment.
How Hair Toxicology Testing Is Performed
Hair toxicology testing begins with the collection of a small hair sample, typically obtained from the scalp. The sample is prepared and analyzed using sophisticated laboratory techniques designed to detect trace levels of chemicals and toxins.
Because compounds may become incorporated into the hair shaft during growth, hair analysis can provide valuable information regarding historical exposure patterns.
Our testing process focuses on:
- Accurate sample handling
- Strict quality control procedures
- Advanced analytical testing
- Professional toxicological review
- Comprehensive reporting
Advanced Laboratory Technologies
To ensure the highest level of analytical accuracy, The Carlson Company utilizes industry-leading laboratory technologies.
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
GC-MS is widely recognized as a gold-standard analytical method for identifying and confirming many chemical compounds, pesticides, solvents, volatile organic compounds, and other toxic substances.
GC-MS provides highly sensitive detection and reliable compound identification for forensic and toxicological investigations.
Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)
LC-MS is particularly effective for analyzing compounds that may not be suitable for gas chromatography, including certain pharmaceuticals, pesticide metabolites, and complex environmental contaminants.
Together, GC-MS and LC-MS provide comprehensive analytical capabilities that support accurate and defensible toxicology results.
Hair Toxicology Panels
Panel-50 Chemicals & Toxins Test
The Panel-50 test screens for a broad range of chemicals and toxins commonly associated with environmental, occupational, agricultural, and industrial exposures.
This panel may include:
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
- Industrial chemicals
- Solvents
- Environmental contaminants
- Selected toxic compounds
Call for pricing and panel details.
Panel-100 Chemicals & Toxins Test
The Panel-100 test expands screening capabilities to include all Panel-50 compounds plus additional chemicals, contaminants, and toxic substances.
This comprehensive option is ideal for:
- Complex exposure investigations
- Forensic toxicology cases
- Environmental contamination concerns
- Broad-spectrum toxicological assessments
Call for pricing and panel details.
Who May Need Hair Sample Testing?
Hair toxicology testing may be beneficial for:
- Individuals concerned about chemical or toxin exposure
- People experiencing unexplained symptoms potentially linked to environmental exposures
- Agricultural workers exposed to pesticides and herbicides
- Industrial employees working around chemicals or solvents
- Attorneys handling toxic exposure cases
- Private investigators
- Occupational health professionals
- Environmental exposure investigators
- Families seeking answers regarding possible toxin exposure
- Forensic toxicology investigations
Ordering & Specimen Collection Procedure
Step 1 – Contact Our Office
Speak with our team to discuss your situation and determine the most appropriate testing package.
Step 2 – Receive Your Collection Kit
A collection kit with detailed instructions will be shipped after payment is received.
Step 3 – Collect Your Sample
Hair collection is simple and can typically be completed at home or by a healthcare professional.
Step 4 – Return Your Sample
Ship the completed specimen collection kit back to our laboratory for analysis.
Sample Collection & Turnaround Time
Convenient Sample Collection
Most tests require approximately 100 strands of hair measuring at least 1.5 inches in length.
Accredited Laboratory Processing
Samples are analyzed using advanced toxicology testing methods and strict quality control procedures.
Standard Turnaround Time
Typical turnaround time is approximately 21 business days from laboratory receipt of the sample.
Detailed Reporting
Clients receive a comprehensive toxicology report outlining laboratory findings and detected compounds.
Why Choose The Carlson Company for Hair Toxicology Testing?
Advanced Analytical Technology
GC-MS and LC-MS testing provide highly sensitive and reliable chemical detection.
Forensic Toxicology Expertise
Our team has extensive experience in toxicology investigations, chemical identification, and exposure assessment.
Long-Term Exposure Detection
Hair analysis provides a unique opportunity to evaluate historical exposure patterns.
Confidential Testing
All testing is performed with strict confidentiality and professional discretion.
Legally Supportable Results
Testing procedures are designed to provide scientifically defensible findings suitable for investigative and legal purposes when applicable.
Nationwide & International Service
We accept samples from clients throughout the United States and internationally.
Get Your Hair Sample Tested Today
If you are concerned about chemical exposure, toxin exposure, environmental contamination, or occupational exposure, The Carlson Company can help.
Our advanced hair sample testing packages provide reliable laboratory analysis using industry-leading toxicology testing methods.
Local / International: 719-531-6666
Toll-Free: 866-889-3410
Email: carlsonco@thecarlsoncompany.net
Contact us today to discuss your testing needs and request a confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hair toxicology testing?
Hair toxicology testing is a laboratory method used to evaluate historical exposure to chemicals, toxins, pesticides, environmental contaminants, and certain heavy metals through analysis of a hair sample.
How far back can hair testing detect exposure?
Depending on hair length and growth rate, hair testing may provide information about exposures that occurred weeks or months before sample collection.
Can hair testing detect heavy metals?
Certain testing panels may be used to evaluate historical exposure to selected heavy metals and environmental contaminants.
Is hair testing more effective than blood or urine testing?
Hair testing often provides a longer detection window than blood or urine testing, making it valuable for investigating historical exposure patterns.
How much hair is needed for testing?
Most tests require approximately 100 strands of hair measuring at least 1.5 inches in length.
What chemicals can be detected in hair?
Depending on the testing panel selected, analysis may identify pesticides, herbicides, industrial chemicals, solvents, environmental contaminants, pharmaceutical residues, and other toxic substances.
Are the results confidential?
Yes. All testing and reporting are handled confidentially.
