Hair Follicle Testing Procedures

Testing hair can detect drugs.

Hair follicle testing is a way to detect drug use. Drugs circulate through your bloodstream, nourishing your hair while it grows. Hair follicles trap a drug as it deposits into a follicle.

Hair Sampling

Many hair follicle tests operate by requiring a sample of hair. About 1.5 inches of hair is necessary to confirm the presence of drug use, as indicated by the Drug Testing Network.

How it Works

Hair follicle tests can provide results for various drugs.

A lab analyzes a sample of up to 100 strands of hair taken to from the scalp to test for drugs. Testing can search for drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and opiates.

Confirmation

Bleaching, washing or dyeing your hair will not get rid of the presence of drugs in your follicles. Being in a room with someone who is using drugs will not affect your test results. A positive result means that you tested positive for a specific drug.

References

• Drug Testing Network: About Hair Follicle Drug Testing

Resources

• Craig Medical Distribution INC: Confidential Forensic Drug of Abuse Hair Testing