In the realm of drug testing, the Hair Follicle Drug Test has become a preferred method for many organizations, legal systems, and individuals seeking reliable, long-term detection of substance use. Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair drug testing services across the nation. Below is an in-depth look at what the hair drug test is, how it works, and the various panels available, including 5-panel and 10-panel testing, plus guidance on finding a “hair drug test near me.”
How Hair Drug Testing Works
A hair drug test involves collecting a small hair sample—typically about 1.5 to 2 inches in length—from your scalp or, in some cases, from body hair if head hair is unavailable. That hair sample is then analyzed in a certified laboratory to detect drug metabolites incorporated into the hair shaft over time. Because hair grows gradually, the test offers a window of detection spanning approximately 90 days, making it ideal for identifying longer-term patterns of drug use.
Unlike urine or saliva testing, which detect more recent use, hair testing is resilient to tampering and provides a more extended record of substance exposure. Many employers, courts, probation offices, and treatment programs prefer it for its objectivity and rigorous collection procedures.
Why Choose a Hair Follicle Drug Test?
There are several advantages to choosing hair follicle drug testing:
The extended detection window (up to three months) makes it effective for identifying patterns rather than only recent use.
The observed collection process reduces the possibility of tampering or adulteration.
It can cover multiple substances in a single screening session, depending on the panel selected.
It is well accepted in employment, legal, and compliance settings due to its reliability and standardization.
Because of these features, many organizations rely on hair drug testing to maintain safety, compliance, and accountability among employees or individuals under supervision.
5 Panel Hair Drug Test: Basic Screening
The 5 Panel Hair Drug Test is one of the more common screening options. It typically includes testing for five major drug classes:
Marijuana (THC)
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Amphetamines (including methamphetamine)
Opiates (such as morphine, codeine, heroin derivatives)
Phencyclidine (PCP)
This panel is often sufficient for many pre-employment, random, or compliance checks. If your purpose is to screen for commonly abused substances, a 5-panel hair test delivers broad yet essential coverage.
10 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Comprehensive Screening
For organizations or legal entities needing a more thorough assessment, the 10 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test offers expanded detection. It typically includes the five basic drug classes from the 5-panel, plus additional substances such as:
Benzodiazepines
Barbiturates
Methadone
Propoxyphene
Ecstasy (copyright)
Other prescription or designer drugs
By choosing a 10-panel hair drug test, you increase the breadth of substances screened, thus reducing the chance that drug use might go undetected. This is especially relevant in safety-sensitive industries or in judicial contexts where certainty is critical.
Finding “Hair Drug Test Near Me” with Accredited Drug Testing
If you’re looking for a hair drug test near me, Accredited Drug Testing makes it convenient. With thousands of collection sites nationwide, they have hair follicle testing centers in all states. You can locate a center near your city or ZIP code, register your test, and bring a valid government-issued ID on the day of testing.
The process is straightforward: first register (by phone or online), receive a registration barcode, then visit the testing facility 5 Panel Hair Drug Test for sample collection. The network is designed for accessibility, so whether you need testing for employment, court orders, probation, or personal reasons, there’s likely a collection center close to where you are.
Applications of Hair Drug Testing
Hair follicle drug tests are widely used in a variety of settings:
Pre-employment or post-accident screenings in workplaces
Random or scheduled substance monitoring programs
Court-ordered or probation compliance
Substance abuse treatment programs
Legal, forensic, or custody cases
Because of its extended detection window and resistance to manipulation, the hair drug test gives organizations and legal systems confidence in the results.
Choosing the Right Panel for Your Needs
Your choice between a 5-panel, 10-panel, or possibly even higher panel test depends on your objectives. If you need to screen for the most commonly abused substances, a 5-panel may suffice. But if your requirements include prescription or less common drugs, a 10-panel or expanded screening is more suitable.
Accredited Drug Testing allows flexibility in selecting the panel that meets your specific requirements. They also support mobile or on-site testing when multiple individuals must be screened, making logistics easier for organizations.
Conclusion
Hair follicle drug testing is a highly effective, reliable method for detecting a history of substance use over around 90 days. Accredited Drug Testing provides access to 5-panel, 10-panel, and expanded hair drug testing services across a nationwide network of certified collection centers. Whether you’re an employer, someone under legal supervision, or an individual needing proof of abstinence, you can find a “hair drug test near me” through their network. Choosing the right panel and following proper registration and collection procedures ensures a valid, defensible test outcome every time.