In recent years the method to conduct drug testing has more frequently included a hair drug test. Many employers, courts and Substance Abuse Professionals are requiring a hair drug test instead of a standard urine test.
Hair drug tests are used by employers who have zero tolerance drug use policies, courts and individuals on probation. The primary benefit of a hair follicle drug test includes a much longer detection period for drug use which typically is up to 90 days. However, when screening drug use within the last 5 days the urine test continues to be the most accurate test.
Hair drug testing is the only method available that provides up to a 90-day look back period for drug use. Data has shown that hair drug testing provides almost twice the number of positives because of its longer window of detection.
What Is The Hair Drug Test Process?
A certified hair collection specialist will cut approximately 120 strands of hair (about the internal diameter of a straw), utilize a chain of custody procedure and send the hair to a certified laboratory for analysis. Drug testing centers and laboratories require at least 1.5 inches of hair from the crown portion of the head to perform this test and is the only way to certify the results for 90 days. The average growth of an individual’s head hair is approximately 1.3 cm (1/2 inch per month), therefore hair at the length of 1.5 inches will be validated for that 90-day lookback period. Hair generally needs to come from the head, however if the donor does not have head hair certain testing centers can use hair from chest, leg or arm pit.
If a donor has no hair on their body, then a hair test cannot be performed!
How long Does Hair Drug Test Results take?
Once the hair has been analyzed by a certified laboratory, they will then be reviewed and then verified by a Medical Review Officer (licensed Physician) who will release the results. Generally, a negative hair drug test result is available in 2-3 days. A non-negative hair drug test is available in approximately 5 business days.
Urine cut-off levels are expressed in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or as a weight of drug per unit volume of urine. Hair cut-off levels are expressed in picograms per milligram (pg/mg) or as a weight of drug per unit weight of hair
5 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 5-panel hair follicle drug test screens for the following
- Amphetamine
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
5 Panel w/ Expanded Opiates Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 5-panel w/ expanded Opiates hair drug test screens for the standard 5 drugs but will also screen for Opiate class drugs such as pain killers, which may indicate abuse of prescription drugs.
- Amphetamines (amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, MDA)
- Cocaine (metabolite)
- Marijuana (THC)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Opiates (Codeine Morphine Hydrocodone Heroin (6-monoacetylmorphine (6-AM)
- Expanded Opiates Hydrocodone Hydromorphone Oxycodone Oxymorphone
We also offer 10, 12,14 and 17 panel hair tests. For more information on hair testing or to order a hair drug test Call (800) 828-7086 or click to schedule now online 24/7.