When precision and reliability are of the utmost importance—whether in a workplace drug test or a court of law—the hair follicle drug test is perhaps the most dependable there is. Far different from urine or saliva testing, hair testing allows for the detection of drug use over a longer time interval, earning it a popular choice among employers, legal experts, and others who care.
In this guide, we’ll answer the most common search questions from U.S. users, so you’ll understand how it works, when to use it, and why The Carlson Company is the trusted partner for professional hair drug testing services.
1. How Does a Hair Follicle Drug Test Work?
A hair follicle drug test is done by testing a small section of hair—most often from the head, but body hair works as well. Drugs and their metabolites are deposited in the hair shaft through the bloodstream, where they persist for 90 days or more.
Major Advantages:
- Detection window longer than with urine testing
- More difficult to cheat on
- Ideal for workplace compliance, court cases, and family law cases
📌 Learn more about our Hair Sample Testing for Chemicals & Toxins service.
2. What Drugs Can Be Identified in a Hair Test?
Hair follicle testing can identify a vast array of substances, such as:
- Amphetamines
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- PCP
- Marijuana
- Synthetic drugs
At The Carlson Company, our laboratory-based hair testing panels are customizable to your requirements—whether it’s a 5-panel drug screen or extended drug panel testing.
📌 Find out more about our Drug Test Panels for personalized screening options.
3. How Far Back Does a Hair Follicle Test Go?
A hair follicle test can, on average, test for drug use going back 90 days from the time samples are taken. The variation depends on:
- Hair length
- Hair growth rate
- Type of drug
- How often they are used
This is perfect for detecting chronic or repeated drug use—something that short-term tests often can’t detect.
4. Why Choose Hair Testing Over Urine or Saliva?
Most users look for “hair follicle test vs urine test,” and here’s the quick answer:
- Urine tests reveal recent use of drugs (up to 3 days of most drugs).
- Saliva tests confirm drug use within the past 24–48 hours.
- Hair tests identify drug use over a few months, providing a broader time window and stronger proof.
For law enforcement or employment inquiries, the longer detection period typically favors hair testing.
5. Where Can I Have a Hair Follicle Drug Test Near Me?
The Carlson Company offers nationwide hair drug testing services for:
- Employers & HR departments
- Attorneys & legal teams
- Medical professionals
- Private individuals
Our highly qualified toxicologists guarantee results to be accurate, court-admissible, and confidential.
📌 Call us today to schedule a Hair Follicle Drug Test.
6. How Much Does a Hair Follicle Test Cost?
Cost varies according to:
- Number of drugs tested
- Whether head hair or body hair is collected
- Turnaround time required
At The Carlson Company, competitive pricing is provided with quick, lab-based results—often ready within 24–48 hours of sample collection.
7. Preparing for a Hair Follicle Test
No special preparation is necessary—only that your hair must be clean and unadorned with heavy chemical treatments. Bleaching or dyeing won’t cut it, as drug metabolites persist within the hair shaft.
8. Why The Carlson Company is the Trusted Choice
With more than decades of experience in forensic toxicology, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with:
- Federal and state agencies
- Private law firms
- Medical examiners
- Corporate compliance teams
We don’t just give you a test—we give you expert consultation to guide you through interpreting results and making informed next steps.
✅ Book Your Professional Hair Follicle Drug Test Today
Whether you require employment testing, courtroom evidence, or personal assurance, The Carlson Company provides accurate, confidential, and legally admissible results.
