Hair Drug Testing

In recent years the method to conduct drug testing has more frequently included a hair drug test. Many employers, courts and Substance Abuse Professional are requiring a hair follicle 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 include 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.

What is a Hair Drug Test?

The procedure used to perform a hair follicle test is simple, the drug testing specialist will cut approximately 120 strands of hair (not really a lot) utilize a chain of custody procedure and send the hair to a certified laboratory for analysis. Drug testing centers require at least 1.5 inches of hair to perform this test and the 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.

When Can I Expect the Hair Drug Test Results?

Once the hair follicles have been analyzed by a certified laboratory they will then be reviewed and then verified by a Medical Review Officer (licensed Physician) who will then release the results. Generally a negative hair follicle drug test result is available in 2-3 business days from when the specimen reaches the lab. A non-negative hair follicle drug test is available in approximately 5 business days from when the specimen reaches the laboratory for testing.

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

What is a 5 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test?

The 5 panel hair follicle drug test screens for the following:

• Amphetamine
• Cocaine
• Marijuana
• Opiates
• Phencyclidine

What is a 5 Panel Hair Drug Test with Expanded Opiates?

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.

What is a 10 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test?

The 10 panel hair follicle drug test screens for the following:

What is a 12 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test?

The 12 panel hair follicle drug test screens for the following:

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