The hair follicle test (HFT) is a method of drug screening that analyzes a small sample of hair, typically cut near the scalp, to detect drug metabolites incorporated into the hair shaft over time. This process offers a detection window of approximately 90 days, making it a reliable tool for assessing long-term substance use patterns. The cost of this testing procedure is not fixed and varies widely, depending on several factors related to who orders the test, the number of substances screened, and the speed of the results.
Standard Price Range for Private Testing
An individual seeking an HFT for personal, legal, or non-employer reasons generally pays a self-pay rate directly to the testing provider. The baseline price for a standard 5-panel HFT typically falls within a range of approximately \\(119 to \\)179. This test screens for common illicit substances like cocaine, marijuana, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP.
This quoted price usually covers the laboratory analysis and the standard collection at a certified facility. Prices are often listed upfront by third-party services that coordinate testing through major laboratories. It is important to confirm that the listed fee is all-inclusive and does not exclude a separate collection charge.
Variables That Influence the Total Cost
The baseline cost of a hair follicle test can fluctuate significantly based on logistical and service-level demands. One major factor is the requested turnaround time for the results. Standard processing often takes between three to seven business days after the sample reaches the laboratory.
However, many providers offer an expedited service, which typically delivers results within 24 to 48 hours for an added premium. This rapid processing requires labs to prioritize the sample, often resulting in a significant surcharge added to the base price. Geographic location also impacts the final price, as facilities in major metropolitan centers may charge more than those in rural regions.
The identity of the payer creates a substantial cost differential due to volume pricing. When an employer or a court system orders tests in bulk, they negotiate a much lower institutional rate per test. In contrast, a private individual paying out-of-pocket will be charged the higher, single-unit consumer rate.
How Drug Panel Selection Impacts Pricing
The scope of the test, known as the drug panel, is a defining factor in determining the total cost. A 5-panel test is the most economical choice because it targets only the most common drugs of abuse. Expanding this panel requires the laboratory to use more reagents and perform complex analyses, thereby increasing the price.
Moving to an expanded panel, such as a 10-panel or 12-panel test, adds screens for prescription medications. These include expanded opiates like hydrocodone and oxycodone, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines. A 12-panel HFT can cost substantially more than the basic version, with prices often rising to the \\(375 to \\)389 range. Specialty panels that include substances like fentanyl or synthetic cannabinoids will be priced even higher due to the specialized analytical methods required.
Collection Logistics and Associated Administrative Fees
Beyond the core lab analysis fee, additional charges can arise from the logistics of the collection process and administrative requirements. While a standard collection fee is usually incorporated into the price for a visit to a fixed collection site, a separate access fee may sometimes be applied.
A mobile collection service, where a certified collector travels to a home or workplace, incurs a notable premium due to travel time and mileage costs. If the initial immunoassay screen yields a non-negative result, the sample must undergo a secondary, highly accurate confirmation test using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). This confirmation process verifies the presence and concentration of the substance, adding both an extra administrative charge and several days to the result delivery time.