Hair Follicle Drug Testing
What Is Hair Drug Testing?
A hair follicle drug test provides a long-term detection window for identifying evidence of drug use, including methamphetamine, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and marijuana. The science behind this kind of hair analysis is similar to fingernail testing. When a drug enters the bloodstream, it gets absorbed into the protein fibers (keratin) that make up hair as it grows.
Additionally, hair receives the vitamins and minerals it needs through the blood, trapping drug metabolites and the chemical compounds of the drug. This makes it possible to detect both recent drug use and long-term patterns of illicit drug use. The process allows scientists to identify traces of drugs and the quantity of drugs consumed, showing patterns of term drug use going back 3–6 months, and sometimes even longer.
Our home hair follicle drug testing kits and laboratory collection options ensure precise results verified through mass spectrometry for ultimate accuracy.
What Factors Can Affect Hair Drug Testing?
Hair drug screening is a highly reliable means for identifying different drugs over the past three months. Although sometimes referred to as a hair follicle test, testing is actually performed on the hair strands.
Clients sometimes express concern regarding factors that could impact hair drug testing in Oregon. For example, we’re frequently asked whether hair color affects results. No proven link exists between hair color and accuracy. However, bleached hair—especially if bleaching occurs multiple times—may influence the ability of follicle testing to identify substance use.
If an individual’s hair has been repeatedly bleached, collectors can successfully complete testing using body hair, if available.
Contact Butterfield Testing Solutions today to learn more about the precision and accuracy of our hair analysis and hair follicle drug testing in Oregon.
How Much Hair Is Required for Accurate Drug Testing?
Typically, collectors use approximately 3.5 inches of hair, taken from the portion closest to the scalp. The quantity of hair needed for a sample is about the thickness of a standard No. 2 pencil—roughly 6 millimeters or slightly more than 1/4 inch.
These factors require the individual to have hair at least 3.5 inches long and enough to provide a sample. If head hair isn’t sufficient, hair follicle test samples can also be collected from body hair.
Testing can be conducted on hair from the chest, arms, or legs. Like head hair, body hair samples are clipped close to the root.
Contact BODT to learn more about our onsite and lab-based hair follicle drug test options in Oregon.
How long does it take to do a hair follicle drug test?
About 15 Min.
How long does it take to get results for a hair follicle drug test?
About 3-5 Days
Detection Window Period
Approximately 90 Days
How A Hair Follicle Drug Test Is Done
Step 1
First, the subject checks in and fills in the necessary paperwork. Then, the collector explains the collection process.
Step 2
Next, the collector preps equipment for the hair sample collection. The collector uses sterilized scissors, combs, and other tools to collect the specimen.
Step 3
Now the collector will strategically collect hair specimens to have sufficient for the drug test and not leave noticeable spots of missing hair.
Step 4
The hair specimen is sealed and shipped to the lab for mass spectrometry and chemical analysis.
Step 5
Lastly, we send the test results to the client within 3-5 days.
Things To Know About Hair Testing
Hair drug testing often produces more positive test results because of its longer detection window. A longer detection period means a higher likelihood of identifying traces of drugs or drug metabolites.
Hair testing is often used by companies that employ people in safety-sensitive positions, where the risk of injury is higher. This “lifestyle” type of drug test helps reduce risk—similar to occupational hearing testing in noisy environments. Both approaches are proactive ways to protect employees, manage insurance costs, and maintain productivity.
While the test cost of hair testing is higher than other forms of testing like urine or saliva testing, many employers find it more cost-effective over time when considering the impact of illicit drug use and employee turnover.
Hair follicle drug testing is a great alternative to urine or oral fluid testing. This type of testing is available at our collection site and onsite testing. Call us today to learn more about our testing services and how we can help you maintain a drug-free workplace.