Hair follicle drug testing has gained popularity in recent years, becoming one of the preferred testing options for parents, employers, and court-ordered probation testing. A hair follicle drug test can detect evidence of illegal or prescription drugs, as well as tobacco and alcohol, by testing strands of hair.

One benefit of hair follicle testing is the window of detection, which is up to 90 days—much longer than that of urine testing.

What Is a Hair Follicle Drug Test?

A hair follicle drug test is a method of detecting drug use by submitting a hair sample of about 1.5 inches to a laboratory for testing.

Because a hair follicle drug test picks up drug metabolites accumulated inside the hair shaft as the hair grows, it can detect historical drug use for up to 90 days which is longer than urine drug tests, which can only detect drugs for up to three days.

What to Expect with an At-Home Hair Follicle Drug Test

Hair follicle testing works using a process called gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS).¹ The GC/MS test can detect up to 17 different types of drugs while also eliminating false positive results. Most hair follicle tests provide conclusive positive or negative results within just a few days.

How to Take a Hair Follicle Drug Test at Home

Taking an at-home hair follicle drug test is simple, and most kits include detailed instructions on preventing contamination and how to package your hair samples.

All you do is take a small hair sample, place it in the envelope or container provided, and send it to the listed laboratory to be tested for drug metabolites.

Why You May Need One

A hair follicle drug test might be requested for various reasons.

• Your employer may request a test as part of routine protocol or a pre-employment condition.
• If you are receiving treatment at a drug rehabilitation center, you may be requested to take the test.
• If you suspect your child is using drugs, you may want an at-home hair follicle test to confirm your suspicions.

Understanding the Test Results

A large number of drugs can be detected through a hair follicle drug test depending on the panel that is selected for the testing process. Some of the most common drugs that are tested for using a hair follicle drug test are:²

• Cannabis
• Amphetamines
• Cocaine
• Opioids
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

Your test report will indicate positive, negative, or inconclusive results.

• Positive – The presence of a drug or drug metabolite in a hair sample indicates a positive result.
• Negative – A negative result indicates that no drugs or drug metabolites were found in the hair sample. It doesn’t indicate that the person has never used drugs, as recent drug use may not show up in the hair follicle yet.
• Inconclusive – An inconclusive result may indicate the hair sample provided may have been contaminated or the testing process was not completed.

Hair Follicle Drug Testing with AMH Nationwide

At AMH Nationwide, we have a range of drug testing options available. Our hair follicle drug testing options range from 5-panel to 19-panel test kits. If you’re interested in our at-home drug tests, visit our website today for more information or to make an online order.

Sources:

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/hair-follicle-drug-test#accuracy
2. https://www.verywellhealth.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-5223623