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Hair Strand Drug & Alcohol Test

All results within 3 days

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029 2054 0567

A hair strand test for drugs and alcohol is highly accurate – and is almost impossible to cheat.

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The method can be used to detect virtually all drug and alcohol substances, between seven days and six months after their use. Test results also indicate the month in which someone took a substance, and so can be used to build a ‘picture’ of substance use over time.

Minimal amount of hair collected – using the ‘Cansford’ method

A small amount of hair is taken by a trained sample collector – usually from the head (we only need about a shoelace worth, less than many laboratories).

Cheating a hair strand test is almost impossible

Fixing a hair test is exceptionally difficult. Dyeing or bleaching hair – or using any other chemical treatments – may damage the outer sheath of an individual’s hair, leading to drugs leaching from the hair.

We use accurate and sensitive equipment

The sensitivity of the equipment used means that we are usually able to detect the remaining metabolites, and our scientists will take the condition of the hair into account to accurately report findings.

Additional samples can also assist with accuracy

Should an individual’s hair be completely unsuitable for testing, we can still use body hair or fingernails – for an accurate result.

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Today, Cansford Laboratories offers the fastest hair testing service in the UK. All results within 3 days.

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What you need to know about hair testing:

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Detection window:

For alcohol, 7 days–6 months
For drugs, 7 days–indefinite (dependant on hair length)

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Collection method:

A hair sample of around 5-millimetre thickness is taken from the head or body of the donor, and deposited in a sealed, tamper-proof envelope. This is sent to the laboratory for testing.

What are the pros and cons of having a hair strand test?

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Advantages:

  • Exceptionally difficult to cheat
  • Indicates patterns of drug or alcohol use over weeks and months
  • Highly sensitive; highly accurate
  • Simple, non-invasive collection
  • Fast results turnaround, when performed by Cansford Laboratories.
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Disadvantages:

  • Hair tests cannot precisely determine the quantity of substances used by the donor
  • Samples cannot indicate substance use less than 7 days after the incident.
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Cansford Laboratories is ISO 17025 accredited and checks each sample for a wide range of substances and their metabolites. Find out more.

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How does hair testing work?

When ingested, drugs and alcohol produce specific chemical markers in the body called metabolites. These markers pass into hair, which subsequently acts as a record of an individual’s drug or alcohol use. The presence of the metabolites helps to prove that the compound was ingested by the donor, and not simply the result of external contamination – for example, another person using drugs in the donor’s presence.

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Hair typically grows at about one centimetre per month. When tested, each centimetre of hair therefore reflects one month’s history of drug use (or non-use). This is why hair strand testing is able to provide such a large window of detection, assessing drug use as far back as 6 months.

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Essentially, the time frame of detection required dictates the amount of hair required for the sample. If a court orders a hair test to assess drug use in the past 4 months, then 4 cm of hair will be analysed.

Hair takes around 7 days to grow out of the scalp – which is the minimum time window a hair test can detect. It may therefore be necessary to use hair testing in conjunction with blood and (oral fluid) saliva testing.

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Testimonials

“Cansford are great. Sample collectors are always available for appointments at short notice. The quotations are always sent over within minutes of requesting them and the staff are really friendly and helpful. The reports are always easy to understand and very thorough."

Lucy McGowan
Haygarth Jones Solicitors

“You truly are a life-saver. I cannot give details obviously, but trust me, these results are highly significant to a child and their safety. “

Social Worker and member of Children’s Brokerage Team
Local authority based in the south of England

“We are incredibly satisfied with Cansford’s service, their face-to-face training was delivered professionally, and they are extremely helpful, knowledgeable and nothing seems to be too much trouble for them. We would highly recommend Cansford for any business who are considering launching and rolling out a similar Policy in the future.”

Marie Lawson
HR Business Partner - British International Helicopters Limited

“Cansford Laboratories have provided a first-class service. The sample taking service was excellent with clear appointment times and lovely, professional staff. Results were scientifically accredited and provided in a clear, confidential and understandable way and the timescale for results was reliably accurate. I can wholeheartedly recommend Cansford Laboratories as they provided an excellent, reliable, service with a professional and sensitive approach.”

Victoria
Individual, 2021.

“I was incredibly satisfied with the service provided. Obtaining the quotation, booking the testing, and liaising with your team was very efficient and straightforward. The report was produced quickly in the timeframe advised and the level of service overall was great. I will certainly instruct Cansford Labs in the future.”

Senior Associate
Family Law practice, Birmingham