Hair Follicle Drug Test: Employer's Quick Guide
Everything employers need to know about Hair Test — who needs it, what's included, and how to find a provider through BlueHive.
At a glance
- Turnaround
- Negative: 2-3 days | Positive: 3-5 days
- Typical cost
- $100–$250
What Is Hair Test?
Hair drug testing with up to 90-day detection window for comprehensive drug use history.
Hair Follicle Drug Testing provides a longer detection window than urine testing, typically 90 days versus 2-7 days. Hair testing detects drug metabolites that become trapped in the hair shaft as hair grows, providing a historical record of drug use.
Who Needs This Service?
- Pre-employment screening programs
- Organizations wanting extended detection
- Employers concerned about chronic use
- Safety-critical positions
- Post-accident investigation
What's Included
A typical Hair Test appointment includes:
- 90-day detection window
- Detects patterns of use
- Difficult to adulterate
- 5-panel or expanded panels
- Certified laboratory testing
Turnaround time: Negative: 2-3 days | Positive: 3-5 days
Typical cost: $100–$250
How It Works
- Order — Employer orders hair drug test through BlueHive.
- Collection — Collector obtains hair sample close to scalp (or body if needed).
- Testing — Laboratory analyzes hair sample using immunoassay and GC/MS.
Related Services
Ready to get started? Find a provider for Hair Test or learn more about this service.
How Hair Test works, step by step
- 1
Order
Employer orders hair drug test through BlueHive.
- 2
Collection
Collector obtains hair sample close to scalp (or body if needed).
- 3
Testing
Laboratory analyzes hair sample using immunoassay and GC/MS.
- 4
Results
Results reported within 2-3 business days.
Regulatory snapshot
State acceptance varies; not currently DOT-approved for federal testing; follows SAMHSA proposed guidelines for hair testing
Track state-by-state changes in Compliance WatchFrequently asked questions
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Content Developer
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Chris Davis is a content developer at BlueHive Health with a background in healthcare operations, medical billing, and small-business management. He writes plain-English guides on OSHA, DOT, and PHMSA compliance for HR and safety leaders.
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