Among all drug screening methods, hair follicle drug testing is considered the most reliable for detecting long-term drug use. Unlike urine tests, which are easier to tamper with and have a shorter detection window, drug testing through hair follicles offers unmatched accuracy. At The Carlson Company, we explain how this advanced testing works, who it’s for, and why it’s trusted across legal, corporate, and personal scenarios.
What Is a Hair Follicle Drug Test and How Does It Work?
A hair follicle drug test detects drug use over the past 90 days by analyzing hair samples, usually from the head. Whether the drugs were taken knowingly or unintentionally, this test offers a clear window into long-term usage. Only accredited labs like The Carlson Company perform these tests under certified supervision.
List Of Drugs That Can Be Detected In Hair Drug Testing
A hair drug screen can detect multiple drug types in a single test, including:
- Cocaine
- Manarijua and Cannabis
- Opiates (Heroin, Codeine, Morphine)
- Methamphetamines and Ecstasy (MDMA, MDEA)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Opioids
How Is a Hair Follicle Drug Test Conducted?
Sample Collection: Around 90–120 strands are collected, ideally from the head, by a trained professional to avoid any tampering.
Lab Testing: The first test (ELISA) screens for drug presence. If positive, the second test (GC/MS – Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) confirms accuracy by identifying exact substances.
Understanding Your Hair Drug Test Results
There are only three possibilities:
- Negative – No drug use in the past 90 days
- Positive – Drug use confirmed; second test used for verification
- Inconclusive – Rare, typically due to insufficient or compromised sample
How Accurate Is a Hair Follicle Drug Test Compared to Other Methods?
Hair follicle testing is highly reliable because drug metabolites become embedded in the hair shaft and remain there until the hair is cut. Compared to urine or saliva drug tests, hair follicle drug screening is nearly impossible to manipulate, especially when done at a certified drug testing lab like The Carlson Company.
Head Hair vs Body Hair: Which Is More Accurate for Drug Testing?
Head hair offers a clearer timeline of drug use. Body hair can reflect drug exposure over a longer, less specific period, but is used when head hair is unavailable. Hair follicle drug testing labs prefer head hair due to better accuracy and consistency.
Book Your Hair Follicle Drug Test with The Carlson Company
Need a reliable and confidential test? The Carlson Company provides professional drug testing using hair follicles for legal, personal, and workplace purposes. Schedule your appointment with our certified lab today.
Frequently Asked Questions on Hair Follicle Drug Tests
Question1. Where can I get a hair follicle drug test
Answer – As a trusted provider of comprehensive drug testing solutions, The Carlson Company offers accurate hair follicle drug tests with an extended detection window.
Question2. How far back can a hair drug test detect drugs go?
Answer – A hair drug test can typically detect drug use up to 90 days prior. The test analyzes a sample of hair, usually 1.5 inches in length, which corresponds to approximately three months of potential drug exposure.
Question 3. What are the common problems or limitations with hair follicle drug testing?
Answer – Hair follicle drug testing has some limitations even though it is capable of accurately detecting drug use up to 90 days:
- Cost: More expensive than other forensic tests like urine tests or DNA tests from saliva.
- Detection Window: Not effective for detecting very recent drug use.
- Hair Requirements: Needs at least 1.5 inches of hair.
- Environmental Contamination: Possible false positives from external drug exposure.
- Variability: Different hair types can affect results.
