Hair Follicle Drug Testing | Nationwide

What Is Hair Follicle Drug Testing?

Hair follicle drug testing is a method of detecting drug use by analyzing a small sample of hair, typically cut from the head near the scalp. As drugs are metabolized in the body, their metabolites are deposited into the hair shaft through the bloodstream. These metabolites become permanently trapped in the hair as it grows, creating a timeline of drug use that can be detected for up to 90 days.

At Assurity Drug Testing nationwide, we offer hair follicle testing for employers and individuals who want a longer detection window and a testing method that is extremely difficult to defeat. Hair testing provides a more complete picture of a person's drug use history compared to urine testing, making it an increasingly popular choice for pre-employment screening and personal testing.

Detection Window: Hair vs. Urine Testing

The most significant advantage of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window:

• Hair follicle testing: Detects drug use within a window of approximately 7 to 90 days. Because it takes about 7 days for hair containing drug metabolites to grow above the scalp, very recent use may not be detected.
• Urine testing: Typically detects drug use within the past 3 to 5 days for most substances, though chronic marijuana use may be detected for up to 30 days.

This means that a job applicant who stops using drugs for a week before a urine test might pass, but they would likely fail a hair follicle test because their drug use from the preceding months would still be detectable. For employers in the Meridian area who want to identify habitual drug users, hair testing provides far more comprehensive insight.

Advantages of Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine

Hair follicle testing offers several key advantages that make it the preferred choice for many employers and individuals:

• Harder to cheat: Unlike urine tests, which can be affected by dilution, substitution, or adulterants, hair tests are extremely difficult to defeat. Shampoos and hair treatments marketed as "detox" products do not reliably remove drug metabolites from the hair shaft.
• Longer detection window: The 90-day window identifies patterns of drug use rather than just recent consumption, giving employers a clearer picture of a candidate's habits.
• Non-invasive collection: Hair collection is simple, quick, and can be performed in a standard office setting. There is no need for restroom facilities or concerns about specimen temperature.
• Observed collection: The hair sample is collected directly by the collector in plain view, eliminating the possibility of substitution.
• Stable specimen: Hair samples do not degrade over time like urine specimens, so there are no concerns about storage or transportation affecting results.

What Does Hair Follicle Testing Detect?

Hair follicle drug tests are available in multiple panel configurations. The standard 5-panel hair test screens for:

• Marijuana (THC)
• Cocaine
• Opioids (codeine, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, heroin)
• Amphetamines (amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, MDA)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

Extended panels are also available that can screen for additional substances including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, and other drugs. We can help you choose the right panel for your testing needs.

Who Uses Hair Follicle Testing?

Hair follicle testing is used by a wide range of employers and individuals nationwide, including in the Treasure Valley area:

• Employers: Many companies use hair testing for pre-employment screening because it provides a more thorough assessment of a candidate's drug use history. Industries including trucking, construction, oil and gas, and healthcare frequently use hair testing.
• Parents and families: Individuals who want to test a family member for drug use often choose hair testing because of its extended detection window and difficulty to cheat.
• Legal and custody cases: Attorneys and courts may request hair follicle testing in custody disputes, probation cases, or other legal matters where a documented history of drug use is relevant.
• Personal testing: Individuals preparing for a job application or those who want to verify their own drug-free status may choose hair testing for its comprehensive results.

The Hair Collection Process

Getting a hair follicle test through our mobile testing service in the Treasure Valley is quick and straightforward:

• Step 1: Walk in or schedule an appointment at our Meridian office. No special preparation is needed.
• Step 2: Our trained collector will cut a small sample of hair from the crown of the head, close to the scalp. The sample is about the diameter of a pencil and approximately 1.5 inches long.
• Step 3: If head hair is not available or is too short, body hair from the chest, arm, or leg may be used as an alternative.
• Step 4: The hair sample is sealed in a secure collection container, documented with proper chain-of-custody procedures, and sent to a certified laboratory for analysis.
• Step 5: Results are typically available within 2 to 3 business days and are reported directly to the employer or requesting individual.