Hair Drug Tests: Hair Drug Testing A Fast And Effective Way Of Home Drug Testing.

Hair drug testing some times referred to as hair folicle testing is a very efficient way to learn a great deal about anyone's drug use over a period of time and is a test preferred where drug use is suspected but not on a day to day basis.

This type of hair drug testing is ideal to identify the occasional recreational user of drugs such as cocaine rather than the addictive use of a drug like Heroin or Meth.

From each hair drug test kit the laboratory is able to identify the use of several drugs at once and can give provide an accurate assesment of drug use for up to 90 day of drug use.

These sorts of kits now easily accessible online can be used if needed in a court of law and can even test for certain specific prescription drugs which are also often abused. The actual process is pretty straight forward although could not be carried out without the subjects knowledge or consent.

Getting Started

Step 1: Cutting of Hair : It may seem straight forward but it important strict guidelines are followed otherwise the results may be flawed and not reliable.

The hair should be cut with sissors which have been fully sterilized with an alcohol wipe (this will usually be supplied in the kit). You will then need to cut a long thin strip of hair (as close to the scalp as possible) an amount of hair about the thickness of pencil will be needed when laid flat in the collection foil (provided).

Typically this will be around 100-150 strands of hair. However if the hair is shorter or quite thin you will need to collect rather more hair. Where the hair is short or thin collect from more than one area of the head to avoid leaving gaps.

The next steps may vary some what depending on the test kit used but in principle the methods are the same for most kits...

Step 2: Preparing the Hair Sample : One the hair is cut place it root side down (often indicated on the foil) and fold over the tab securing the hair within the foil .

Flatten out the hair as best possible keeping the hair within the creased area of the collection foil. Complete folding the foil as per the manufacturers instructions.

Step 3: Mailing Your Sample: Put your collected sample in the sample envelope provided and secure with the security label (also in the home drug testing kit) this will have a numbered ID on it and you will be provided a copy of this to keep (often a card).

This should be kept safe as the sample will only be identfiied by this and not name. This will be used to obtain your result. If the test is for child the parent or legal guardian will be required to initial the label and confirm the type of sample included.

The sealed sample will then usually be placed in a plastic pouch and then in a pre addressed shipping mailer. The package will be then posted or collected by courier.

Step 4: The Results: In some cases you'll be required to register your sample on the companies website while on others you won't and will just be able to quote the ID details to obtain results.

Typically these will take 1-2 weeks to obtain although some services may be quicker for an additional charge.