Testing for illegal substances in hair gives a far greater window of detection than urine, blood or saliva samples. For this reason, having a hair drug test is the most common choice in situations where a longer term drug history is required.
We are able to detect drugs in hair samples for several months – if not years, depending on the length of the hair. We can test any length of hair, however with longer hair, we cut the samples into 3cm long sections in order to maintain the sensitivity and accuracy of the test.
It is getting more and more common for Courts to request a Hair Drug Test. The results are admissible in courts as long as the hair collection has been conducted or witnessed by a professional person like a Doctor, Lawyer, Dentist, Magistrate, Police Officer or a trained sample collection officer. The most popular request we receive is for a 3 month history of drug use or indeed, abstinence. Hair typically grows at a rate of about 1 cm per month, so a 3 cm (1 ¼ inches) long hair sample is required.
Via our accredited referral laboratory, we can test for Amphetamines / Methamphetamines, Benzodiazepines, Buprenorphine, Cannabis, Cathinone, Cocaine, Ketamine, Mephedrone, Methadone, Opiates, Pethidine, or Tramadol. (Alcohol tests EtG and EtG / FAEE are available by quotation).
Contents
How Much Hair Is Needed To Conduct A Hair Test?
Approximately 50-75 strands of hair are necessary to be taken from the crown of the head, which is about the width of the tip of a shoe lace, or half the thickness of a thin pencil. On average, adults have in excess of 100,000 strands of hair on their head so this should not make a difference cosmetically, unless the person’s hair is particularly short.
Hair Drug Test Benefits:
- Ability to detect drug use over several months, not just days.
- Taking a sample is very easy and non-invasive.
- Can be used to monitor abstinence over a period of time.
- Test valid for a wide range of drugs.
- Results are admissible in court.
Hair Drug Testing Disadvantages:
- Can be costly.
- It can take up to a week to get the results.
It can take several days to break down the hair sample to a state where it can be accurately analysed (depending on the method used), but we are able to complete a test in 3 working days from receipt at the laboratory. Because of the time this process takes, the analysis does cost more than doing a urine or saliva test for example. We are able to test for a wide range of drugs, and usually customers will specify one or two specific drug groups to look for – which are charged per drug.
So Why Pick MHE Labs For Your Hair Drug Testing Needs?
At MHE Labs, we are proud to be able to offer a total solution when it comes to conducting Hair Drug Testing. We are able to offer technical support and are happy to take you through each step (in confidence) to give you complete understanding of the process. We provide a certificate of analysis that will stand up in court as long as our sample collection procedures have been adhered to.
How to Order
Please contact us by telephone, or purchase the Hair Drug Test below. We will need the following from you:
- Donor’s name
- Donor’s date of birth
- Credit or debit card details for payment
On receipt of the above, we will issue a hair test sample collection kit which includes comprehensive instructions for you to follow. We are available on the telephone should you wish to discuss a suitable method of hair sample collection. If you need the results for court or an employment situation, a professional person must be involved in the collection – or to act as a witness. This can be organised by yourself, or one of our trained collectors can be arranged at a fee. However, if the test is for information purposes only, you or a family member can conduct this, following the instructions included in the pack.
.
What If Hair Testing For Drugs is Not Suitable?
We offer a full range of urine and saliva drug tests as an alternative if for some reason hair testing is not for you. Visit our drug test kits page or our home drug test FAQ page for details.
.
