Hair Follicle Drug & Alcohol Testing

Our clinic offers certified hair sample collection for long-term drug and alcohol testing, ideal for employment screening, legal requirements, and occupational health assessments. We partner with internationally accredited laboratories to ensure accurate, secure results.

Certified Collection by Medical Professionals

At the International Travel Vaccine Centre (ITVC), our certified doctors are authorised to collect hair samples for laboratory-based drug and alcohol testing. This form of testing is commonly used for:

• Employment screening
• Occupational health and safety
• Court or custody matters
• Insurance assessments

Collected hair samples are securely forwarded to a leading U.S.-based laboratory via AWDTS in Queensland. Results are typically available within two business weeks, delivered directly to the individual or authorised third party.

Preparing for Your Hair Sample Appointment

To ensure accurate collection, please follow these guidelines:

• Avoid using hair gels, oils, or styling products for 24–48 hours prior
• Do not dye, bleach, or chemically treat your hair beforehand
• Avoid wearing tight buns, ponytails, braids, or dreadlocks on the day
• Synthetic hair or extensions are not suitable for testing

What Substances Can Be Detected?

Hair testing is used to identify long-term exposure to a range of substances. These may include:

• Common recreational substances
• Prescription medications
• Chronic alcohol use (upon request)

Note: Due to advertising restrictions, specific substance names have been omitted. Please contact the clinic via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a full list of detectable substances.

How Hair Testing Works

When substances are consumed over time, small traces circulate in the bloodstream and become embedded in growing hair follicles. As the hair grows, these markers remain in the core of the strand, forming a stable historical record of use.

• Hair typically grows 3.5 cm per month
• A standard 3.5 cm sample provides a 90-day detection window
• Substances cannot be washed, bleached, or chemically removed
• Testing is highly resistant to contamination or manipulation

Why Choose Hair Testing?

Hair testing offers several advantages over urine or saliva tests:

• Longer detection window – up to 3 months or more
• Difficult to tamper with – ideal for legal and workplace use
• Non-invasive and easy to collect
• Highly accurate, laboratory-confirmed results

The Science Behind Hair Testing

Hair is a reliable indicator of long-term substance exposure. It absorbs markers through:

• Blood supply to the follicle
• Sweat glands surrounding the scalp
• Skin compartments near the root

Hair grows in cycles (growth, transition, rest) and is unique in its ability to store information long after the initial exposure. Results are quantified precisely in nanograms or picograms per milligram.

Collection & Chain of Custody

• We collect 90–120 hair strands (approx. 50–100 mg), cut at the scalp
• Hair must be at least 3.5 cm long
• If head hair is unavailable, samples may be collected from arms, chest, legs, or beard
• If no hair is available, fingernail clippings may be used as an alternative
• A formal chain of custody process ensures security and reliability

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is hair drug testing?

Hair testing detects substances embedded in the hair shaft over time, reflecting long-term exposure.

Q: How much hair is required?

About 50–100 milligrams of hair — typically 90 to 120 strands — cut from the scalp.

Q: How far back can testing detect use?

A 3.5 cm sample can detect use from approximately 7–90 days prior to collection.

Q: Can body hair be used?

Yes. If head hair is unavailable, body hair may be used, though it may reflect a longer detection period.

Q: Can hair from a brush be tested?

No. Forensically valid results require directly collected samples under chain-of-custody conditions.

Q: Can test results be influenced by shampoo or hair dye?

No. Hair treatments do not affect the core of the hair shaft where substances are stored.

Q: Who receives the results?

Results are emailed to the client or a nominated third party with proper authorisation.

 

Book an Appointment

To schedule your hair sample collection, please call us on 1300 557 070 or contact us via email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..