Hair testing is a way of screening for drugs by taking a follicle of hair as sample. This method detects drug molecules embedded in the shaft of the hair, thereby eliminating external contamination that could affect the test results. This may seem odd on first consideration, but hair growth is fed by the bloodstream. This means that people who use drugs will have a ‘portfolio’ of drug abuse in their hair. Because the drug molecules are embedded inside of the hair; shampoo, bleach, hair dye, or other chemical manipulation of the hair will not remove the remnants of the drug.

As drug hair follicle screening is non invasive, easy to perform, and resistant to specimen adulteration; it is a popular method of drug testing. Unlike in case of blood test, a trained medical professional is not required to administer the test. Blood testing requires adequate facilities and a qualified laboratory. Urine testing must be done in a private setting. This can cause further complications in the testing procedure because precautions must be taken to avoid urine specimen contamination. For example, one must avoid the addition of water to the urine sample to dilute it.
To test for drugs by hair follicle test, test with an FDA approved testing kit, such as the HairConfirm Regular ( 7 panel test). This kit screens for seven illicit drugs including marijuana (THC), cocaine, opiates (such as codeine and morphine), amphetamine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, and phencyclidine (PCP). It is available for under $65.00. Since the test kit can be purchased with no personal information given, it is anonymous and private. It is discreetly shipped to avoid embarrassment. The results are accurate and reliable as we use a nationally accredited and recognized testing facility. Our laboratory uses enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) technology for confirmation tests.

One major advantage of this drug test by hair follicle analysis is that the results give a detailed analysis of drug history. There is a positive or negative result for each hair class. We will assess whether a user has low, medium, or high drug use. These indicators allow us to determine if a person uses occasionally, on a daily or weekend basis, or constantly.

This test has the additional benefit of being easy to use and private while accessing fully accredited laboratory testing. The kit contains easy-to-follow directions that help you to take an appropriate sample at home. The kit contains a pre-paid package for sending the sample to us. Without using personal information, but simply by using your secure pass code and specimen ID number, you can get your results online in one or two days after the laboratory receives the sample.

Prescription drug testing is another good reason to turn Hairconfirm testing. HAIRCONFIRM™ with PRESCRIPTION DRUGS screens for seven illicit drugs (marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, and phencyclidine) as well as five prescription drugs. As we know, prescription drug abuse is becoming a huge problem for the youth of the United States. This test detects Vicodin, Lorcet/Lortab, Oxycontin, Percocet, and Dilaudid. It is available for under $90.00.

Hair testing is a convenient and reliable way to test for drugs. While it costs more than a urine test, it has many benefits that many people find to be worth it.