Hair Follicle Drug Test (5 Panel)
Comprehensive drug screening test that analyzes hair strands to detect use of five common substances over the past 90 days.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
What this test measures
Hair follicle testing provides a detection window of approximately 90 days, substantially longer than urine or blood testing methods. The test analyzes a small sample of hair strands for five commonly screened substance categories: marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines (including methamphetamine), opiates (including heroin, codeine, and morphine), and phencyclidine (PCP).
Hair grows at an average rate of roughly half an inch per month. The test analyzes the 1.5 inches of hair closest to the scalp, representing approximately three months of growth. After a substance is used, it takes about 4 to 7 days for the hair containing those metabolites to emerge above the scalp, which means very recent use (within the past week) may not yet be detectable. This characteristic makes hair testing better suited for identifying patterns of repeated use over a longer period rather than detecting isolated or one-time incidents. The extended detection window is particularly useful in contexts requiring a broader look-back period than urine testing can provide.
What's included
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Individuals required to undergo pre-employment drug screening for positions requiring long-term substance abuse history
- Those involved in legal proceedings, probation monitoring, or child custody cases where extended detection periods are important
- People participating in substance abuse treatment programs who need comprehensive monitoring of their recovery progress
- Individuals seeking personal accountability testing with a longer detection window than urine-based tests provide
- Those required to provide tamper-resistant drug testing results for workplace compliance or regulatory requirements
What to expect
Preparation
No special preparation is required for hair follicle drug testing. Normal hair care routines including shampooing and conditioning will not affect test results. Avoid using hair products immediately before collection if possible, though standard styling products typically do not interfere with testing accuracy.
Sample Type
A small sample of hair strands (approximately the thickness of a pencil) is collected from the head or, if head hair is unavailable, from body hair.
Collection
The collection process is performed by a trained technician who cuts approximately 90-120 hair strands close to the scalp. The sample is secured in collection materials and documented using chain-of-custody protocols. The entire process takes only a few minutes and is observed to prevent tampering.
Turnaround
Results are typically available within 2-3 business days for negative tests. If confirmatory testing is required for positive results, additional processing time of 2-5 business days may be needed.
Understanding your results
Results are reported as positive or negative for each of the five substance categories. If a substance tests positive, the specific metabolite identified will be listed. Testing follows a two-step process: an initial immunoassay screen followed by confirmatory chromatographic analysis (such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) for any substance that screens positive. This dual-step approach ensures accuracy and reduces the likelihood of false positive results. It is important to note that hair testing detects cumulative exposure over a three-month window and cannot pinpoint the exact timing or frequency of individual use episodes within that period.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All Individuals | Qualitative Results (Positive/Negative) | Results are reported as positive or negative based on established cutoff levels rather than quantitative measurements |
Reference ranges shown are general guidelines. Your lab report will include the specific reference range used by the laboratory that processed your sample, which is the authoritative range for interpreting your results.
What does a “Low” result mean?
A negative result means that no detectable drug metabolites were found above the established cutoff levels in the hair sample. This indicates that the individual has not used any of the screened substances in the last 90 days, or that any use was below the detection threshold. However, very recent drug use within 4-7 days of testing may not be detected, as it takes time for substances to be incorporated into hair strands that grow above the scalp.
What does a “High” result mean?
A positive result indicates that drug metabolites were detected above the established cutoff levels, suggesting drug use within the approximately 90-day detection window. Positive results mean that traces of the substance have been found in the hair, suggesting recent drug use within the detection window, and typically require further investigation to assess the extent of substance use. It's important to note that positive results may reflect use patterns rather than recent impairment, as hair testing detects historical use over an extended period.
Privacy & confidentiality
All test orders are authorized and results reviewed by an independent, board-certified physician who is not the patient's personal doctor. Your hair follicle drug test results are completely confidential and handled with the highest level of privacy protection. Test results are <u>not reported to your personal doctor</u> and are <u>not added to your medical records</u>. The testing process requires no doctor visit and maintains your privacy throughout the entire procedure. Results are <u>not shared with insurance companies</u> and will <u>not appear on insurance statements or explanation of benefits</u>. Only you will have access to your test results unless you specifically choose to share them with employers, legal representatives, or other authorized parties. This confidential testing approach ensures that individuals can obtain necessary drug screening results while maintaining complete control over their personal health information and privacy.
Frequently asked questions
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Last reviewed: April 2026
CPT Code: 80100
This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
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