Private • Professional • Convenient
Hair Drug Testing With a Longer Detection Window
Hair testing can provide a broader look at drug-use patterns than shorter-window specimen types. MedScreens offers professional collection and laboratory-based testing for employers, schools, agencies and individuals.
Why Choose Hair Testing?
- May show a pattern of use over approximately 90 days
- Laboratory-based testing and confirmation
- Difficult to substitute or dilute the specimen
- Useful for workplace, school and personal testing
No Appointment Necessary
Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bring a photo ID and any paperwork, authorization or electronic registration information supplied by the organization requesting your test.
What Hair Testing Can Tell You
A Broader Historical View
A standard head-hair sample may provide information about drug use over approximately the previous 90 days when enough hair is available. The exact period represented depends on the specimen length, growth pattern and laboratory requirements.
Not a Recent-Use Test
Hair testing generally does not show drug use from the most recent several days because the affected hair must first grow above the scalp. A urine or other specimen may be more appropriate when very recent use is the concern.
What to Expect
Check In
Bring a photo ID and the testing instructions or registration information you received.
Provide the Sample
A trained collector takes several small samples from discreet locations, following the laboratory’s collection requirements.
Laboratory Testing
The specimen is sent to the laboratory, and results are reported according to the ordering organization’s instructions.
Head Hair and Body Hair
Head-Hair Collection
When possible, a small amount of hair is cut close to the scalp from several locations so the collection is less noticeable. A standard historical window often requires about 1.5 inches of head hair, although laboratory requirements can vary.
Body-Hair Collection
If sufficient head hair is not available, body hair may sometimes be accepted. Because body hair grows differently, it does not provide the same precise month-by-month timeline as head hair. The laboratory determines whether the specimen is suitable.
Testing Options and Results
Panels Based on Your Needs
Available panels may test for commonly requested drug categories such as marijuana, cocaine, PCP, amphetamines and opioids. The substances included depend on the panel ordered by the employer, school, agency or individual.
Screening and Confirmation
A non-negative screening result is not treated as a final confirmed positive. The laboratory performs confirmation testing when required, and Medical Review Officer review may also be part of the ordering program.
Before Your Collection
Normal washing is fine. Tell the collector about hairpieces, extensions, recent chemical treatments or any condition that may affect collection. The laboratory—not the collection site—determines whether the sample meets testing requirements.
Not Sure Whether Hair Testing Is Right for You?
Call MedScreens before visiting and our staff will help you determine the appropriate testing process. Call for testing options and current pricing.