What to expect at a hair sample collection appointment

Whether you’re due a hair drug or alcohol test or supporting someone through the process, knowing what to expect can provide a great deal of reassurance.

Hair testing is widely used in legal settings – including family law and care proceedings – to detect substance use patterns over time. The sample collection appointments are conducted with the utmost care and professionalism, ensuring every person’s dignity and privacy are fully respected.

We understand undergoing a court-admissible hair test can feel stressful. This guide offers a supportive step‑by‑step overview of the appointment, so you can feel confident and well-prepared.

Preparing for the appointment

Taking a few simple steps ahead of your hair sample collection appointment can help ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently on the day. Our team will provide clear guidance on what to expect ahead of your appointment, but here’s what you need to know:

Before your appointment

• Ensure your hair is clean and dry.
• Avoid using chemical treatments (e.g. hair dye, bleaching, perming products).
• Let us know in advance of any specific needs, including cultural, religious or accessibility requirements, so we can effectively support you at your appointment.

What to bring

• Photographic identification (e.g. passport or driving licence) – this is required to verify your identity.
• Details of any medication you are currently taking or have taken during the period being tested, including the name of the medication, dosage, and how often you’re taking it. The sample collector will document any disclosure of medication and details of this will be included in your test report.

Learn more: Hair drug testing for court

How the hair sample collection works

Your sample will be collected by one of AlphaBiolabs’ professional sample collectors in a private, indoor setting.

Here’s what happens:

• Appointment duration: typically 30–45 minutes
• Verification: presentation of photo ID and confirmation of personal details
• Photos: a photograph will be taken of you and the site that the hair is collected from
• Hair collection:
  • Head hair is cut using clean scissors. Body hair is cut using clean scissors or shaved using a razor
  • The sample collector is the only person to handle the collection scissors or razor
  • The hair is taken from as close to the scalp as possible
  • The site of sample collection and amount of hair needed will depend on the length of hair required for analysis, and the period we’ve been instructed to test – this will be discussed with you at the appointment
  • We will only ever take the amount of hair we need to perform the test at the laboratory 
• Chain of custody: each sample is collected and sealed in front of you, labelled with your case details, and placed into individual envelopes
• Consent: you’ll be asked to complete a consent form confirming that the samples were taken from you, and that you witnessed the collection
• Follow-up information: the sample collector will provide a contact card for any post-appointment questions

Alternative to head hair for court drug testing

If head hair isn’t available (e.g. you have little or no head hair), body hair from the face, arms, legs, chest, back or underarms may be collected, with your agreement. 

The same careful procedures are followed for collection of body hair:

• The site is assessed to ensure enough hair is available for the period being tested
• The hair is cut using scissors, or shaved (body hair only)
• Samples are packaged and documented in your presence, with all case details recorded accurately

It’s important to note that, unlike head hair, body hair cannot be segmented for month-by-month analysis, so test results will provide an overview of substance use for the period being tested, rather than showing precise monthly patterns.

The implications of this will be explained to you clearly at the appointment and detailed in the final report.

Learn more: Can body hair be used for drug testing?

Chain of custody, privacy and professionalism

We understand the sensitive nature of these appointments – and the importance of safeguarding the wellbeing of every individual involved – and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and respect throughout the process.

• Samples are collected and sealed in your presence, each labelled clearly
• Signatures and photographs of the sample site complete the documentation
• Appointments take place in private indoor settings to preserve dignity
• We respect all religious, cultural, or personal requirements at every stage
• Your post-appointment feedback is welcomed – with no pressure to provide feedback while the sample collector is present. You’ll also receive an email inviting you to leave online feedback (anonymously if you wish)

Our sample collectors are…

• Polite, professional and understanding
• Fully vetted for safeguarding compliance
• Skilled with vulnerable families and culturally sensitive
• Used to working with interpreters and chaperones

After the appointment

Once collected, your hair sample is securely packaged and transported to our ISO 17025-accredited laboratory for analysis, maintaining chain of custody to ensure the test results are court-admissible.

Once your samples arrive at the laboratory, our in-house toxicologists can begin testing as instructed.

You have up to 48 hours after the appointment to update your personal details or medical declaration if needed; simply contact our team via the confirmation email sent out after your appointment.

Test results are sent directly to the instructing party (such as a solicitor or local authority) and will include any relevant details you disclosed, such as medications.

You will not receive the results directly unless this has been agreed as part of the instruction.

Sample donor feedback

Here’s what people who’ve attended AlphaBiolabs sample collection appointments have shared about their experience:

“Paula who came to take my hair sample was very caring and reassuring. Even though she could sense that this was a traumatic experience for me, she made me feel at ease. She was also very professional and went through everything step-by-step before taking the samples.” – Miss Harris

“I was dreading having patches in my hair but the lady was very professional, and I can’t really tell my hair has been taken!” – Anonymous

“The lady that took my hair sample explained well how it would look, and how much they needed for testing. Good communication, very polite.” – Samantha

Why choose AlphaBiolabs – and how to get support

At AlphaBiolabs, we understand that undergoing a hair sample collection can feel daunting.

We offer a compassionate, professional drug and alcohol testing service for legal cases. Our team is highly experienced, fully vetted for safeguarding purposes, and culturally sensitive, ensuring every appointment is respectful, discreet, and thorough.

If you have any questions or would like further information about the hair sample collection process, please don’t hesitate to contact your AlphaBiolabs Case Manager, who’ll be able to provide more details ahead of the hair sample collection appointment.

Alternatively, contact our friendly, knowledgeable team on 01 402 9466 / testing@alphabiolabs.com, for assistance.