Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has silently infiltrated many communities, leaving a trail of ruined lives in its wake. Recognized for its potency, this drug, while medically relevant in controlled environments, poses significant risks when misused or encountered unknowingly. As its prevalence grows, there’s an urgent need for effective detection methods. Enter the world of hair drug testing, a potential game-changer in the fight against the fentanyl crisis.

What Is Fentanyl and Why Is Its Rise Concerning?

Originally developed for medical purposes, fentanyl stands out as a potent painkiller, eclipsing many of its opioid counterparts in strength. While it serves genuine medical needs, its potency can be fatal when misused. One of the gravest concerns about fentanyl is its covert presence in other drugs. Unsuspecting users may consume a substance, not knowing it’s laced with fentanyl, putting them at a severe risk of overdose. Given this stealthy characteristic, traditional detection methods might fall short in catching its trace, especially during its early stages of abuse.

Traditional Methods of Drug Detection and Their Limitations

Over the years, urine and blood tests have been the cornerstones of drug detection. They have served as reliable tools for various purposes, from employment checks to medical diagnostics. However, when it comes to fentanyl, their reliability can sometimes waver. The window of detection in these methods might not be long enough to catch drugs that are fast-metabolizing like fentanyl. Additionally, given its potent nature, even trace amounts can be deadly, requiring a testing method with heightened sensitivity.

Hair Drug Testing: A More Effective Alternative

When accuracy and a longer detection window become paramount, hair drug testing emerges as a formidable solution. Human hair, often seen as a mere aesthetic feature, silently records our body’s history, including drug use. As drugs circulate in our system, they leave their markers in our hair, providing a more extended window of detection than blood or urine tests. Fentanyl, despite its stealthy nature, is no exception to this.

Hair tests don’t just offer an extended detection window; they also reduce the likelihood of tampered samples, a common concern with other testing types. Moreover, real-world scenarios have underscored the importance of hair drug testing. In various situations, from law enforcement operations to medical emergencies, the ability to identify fentanyl traces in hair samples has proven invaluable.

Implications for Public Safety

Public safety hinges on the timely and accurate detection of threats. In the context of the fentanyl surge, hair drug testing isn’t just a medical tool; it’s a public safety net. Testing hair for fentanyl is an all too common request by concerned parents and loved ones. You may be concerned your teenager is doing fentanyl or maybe even your spouse. Law enforcement agencies, facing the brunt of the drug crisis, can benefit immensely from its precision. Immediate and accurate detection can inform decisions, from arrests to interventions.

Similarly, rehabilitation centers can tailor their programs based on concrete evidence from hair tests, ensuring that individuals receive the right care. Even in the corporate world, especially in roles where safety is paramount, employers can rely on hair drug testing to ensure that their work environment remains uncompromised.

Overcoming Challenges and Concerns in Hair Testing

Like any scientific method, hair drug testing isn’t free from challenges. Common misconceptions float around, creating unnecessary hesitations. Some believe that personal grooming routines, such as hair treatments, might affect results. Others worry about the implications of having short or no hair.

However, as science progresses, many of these concerns are addressed and debunked. With rigorous research and advancements in testing procedures, hair drug testing is continually refined, ensuring its reliability and accuracy for public use. The horizon promises even better, cost-effective, and efficient methodologies to bolster its adoption.

The rise of fentanyl underscores a crucial need for evolution in our drug detection methodologies. As the shadows of this potent drug stretch far and wide, shining a light on its presence becomes essential for public safety. Hair drug testing, with its unique advantages, stands tall as a beacon of hope in this challenging scenario. As we navigate this crisis, tools like these not only aid in detection but also in prevention, potentially saving countless lives.

If you are concerned a loved one may be using fentanyl. Don’t wait, worry and wonder… find out!

The fight against the fentanyl crisis is a collective effort. When it comes to fentanyl use, or just using street drugs that could potentially contain fentanyl there is no safe level of usage. Staying informed about what your child or loved one is doing can make all the difference.  We offer various hair and nail testing options to include testing for fentanyl. We can provide an on-site lab collection or even an at-home hair test (collection and lab-based test). You can even send in a hair brush sample if that is the only option. At AMH Nationwide, we are at the forefront of this battle, offering expertise and solutions to keep communities safe. We invite you to join us, ask questions, and learn more about how we can make a difference together. Are you ready to be part of the change? Connect with us today.

When you’re preparing to hire new employees, ensuring a safe and efficient work environment is of utmost importance. One of the tools to ensure this is the pre-employment drug test. In today’s fast-paced corporate environment, ensuring the safety, integrity, and work ethic of your team is vital. AMH Nationwide, a trusted name in the drug testing industry, is here to guide you through the steps to get a pre-employment drug test.

Determine the Need for a Drug Test

Before embarking on the process of getting a pre-employment drug test, assess if your business requires it. Industries such as transportation, healthcare, defense, and others that involve safety-sensitive duties often mandate drug testing. However, even if it’s not legally required, many companies opt for drug testing to ensure workplace safety and productivity.

Know the Laws and Regulations

Each state has its own laws and regulations regarding workplace drug testing, making it essential for employers to be well-informed and up-to-date on the guidelines relevant to their specific locations.

The variance in regulations can range from the types of drugs that can be tested for, the circumstances under which testing can occur, the frequency of testing, and the method of notifying potential employees about testing requirements. Some states may have strict limitations on pre-employment drug testing, while others may grant employers more latitude.

Moreover, certain industries, particularly those regulated by federal agencies, such as transportation or defense, may be subject to additional federal mandates for drug testing. These standards can overlap or, in some cases, supersede state regulations.

Navigating this intricate web of state and federal regulations can be daunting. Thus, it’s imperative to either engage with knowledgeable legal counsel specializing in employment law or utilize the detailed resources available at AMH Nationwide. Making an effort to understand and comply with these laws not only safeguards a business from potential legal complications but also demonstrates a company’s commitment to fairness and ethical practices.

Choose the Type of Drug Test

At AMH Nationwide, we offer various drug testing methods:

Urine Testing

Urine testing, as the most prevalent method of drug screening, has been a go-to option for employers for several reasons. Its non-invasive nature makes it easier for potential employees to provide samples, and the testing process is well-established and standardized.

The detection window for drugs, ranging from a few days to a week, makes it a reliable indicator of recent drug use. Furthermore, urine tests can detect a wide array of substances, from commonly abused drugs like marijuana and cocaine and fentanyl to varous prescription medications.

The cost-effectiveness of this method, combined with its relative ease of administration, has made it a favorite for both large corporations and small businesses.

Hair Follicle Testing

Hair follicle testing, though more intricate, offers an extended window for drug detection. As hair grows, drugs that enter the bloodstream become encapsulated in the hair shaft, providing a chronological record of drug use. Therefore, a segment of hair can potentially provide a 90-day history of drug consumption. We also offer extended detection times that go beyond 90 days.

This method is particularly useful for detecting patterns of drug use over a more extended period rather than one-off incidents. Additionally, hair tests are harder to cheat than urine tests, making them a robust option for employers looking for a comprehensive overview of a candidate’s drug history.

Saliva Testing

Saliva testing, also known as oral fluid testing, has gained traction in recent years due to its convenience and immediacy. The ability to conduct these tests on-site means quicker results, making the hiring process more efficient.

Moreover, saliva tests are ideal for detecting very recent drug use, sometimes as soon as a few hours post-consumption. This makes them particularly valuable in situations like post-accident testing where immediacy is crucial. Additionally, because the collection process can be directly observed, it reduces the chances of sample tampering, ensuring a higher level of integrity in the results.

Blood Testing

While blood tests are not as commonly used for pre-employment screenings, their accuracy is unparalleled. They can detect the presence of drugs and their metabolites directly, providing a clear picture of both recent and past drug use. Additionally, blood tests can quantify the amount of drug in the system, which can be crucial in certain sensitive industries or roles.

However, the need for trained personnel to draw blood, coupled with the higher costs associated with lab processing, makes it less popular for routine pre-employment checks. Nonetheless, in scenarios where precision and comprehensive detection are paramount, blood tests remain a gold standard.

Schedule the Drug Test

Once you’ve determined the type of test that’s best for your needs, the next step is scheduling. AMH Nationwide makes this process straightforward. Or, if you are having trouble deciding just know we are big on customer service and we are here to help! Visit our website, navigate to our scheduling section, choose your preferred location and time, and book an appointment.

Inform the Job Candidate

Communication is key to a positive employer-employee relationship, and this begins even before the formal hiring process. By providing prospective employees with advance notice about drug testing requirements, you’re setting a precedent for open dialogue and mutual respect. This act not only creates an environment where candidates feel valued and informed but also allows them to prepare accordingly, reducing potential anxiety or uncertainty surrounding the test.

This proactive approach minimizes the chances of misunderstandings and potential legal complications. Some candidates may be on prescription medications or undergoing treatments that could affect test results. By being transparent upfront, you give them the opportunity to disclose and discuss these circumstances, ensuring a fair evaluation process. Feel comforted know that all drug testing includes confirmation testing and medical review of needed prescritions. This is built into our process so no need for an awkward conversation about prescriptions with any potential new job candidates!

Furthermore, candidates are more likely to appreciate and commit to companies that prioritize clarity and fairness from the outset. In a competitive job market, such practices can set your company apart, attracting individuals who value honesty and integrity in their workplace.

Conduct the Test

On the day of the test, the candidate will need to provide a sample, be it urine, saliva, hair, or blood, depending on the chosen method. At AMH Nationwide, we ensure a dignified and confidential testing environment. The entire process is handled by trained professionals, adhering to strict chain-of-custody protocols, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the test results.

Receive and Interpret Results

With AMH Nationwide’s advanced testing facilities and expert technicians, results are delivered promptly. Negative results can often be reported as soon as 24-48 hours, while positive tests, which undergo additional confirmatory tests, may take slightly longer.

In the event of a positive result, it’s essential to approach the situation with sensitivity. Remember, some medications and specific medical conditions might lead to positive results. In such cases, a Medical Review Officer (MRO) from AMH Nationwide can help interpret the findings and verify if there’s a legitimate medical reason for the positive outcome.

Implement a Continuous Testing Policy

Pre-employment drug testing is just the beginning. Consider implementing random drug testing, post-accident testing, and reasonable suspicion testing. This continuous approach ensures ongoing safety and compliance within your organization.

Stay Updated

Drug testing technologies, laws, and best practices evolve. Stay updated with the latest trends and regulations by partnering with industry leaders like AMH Nationwide. Regular consultations and collaborations can ensure that your drug testing policies remain effective and compliant.

In the modern workplace, ensuring a drug-free environment is crucial for safety, productivity, and overall company reputation. By following the steps outlined above, you can seamlessly integrate pre-employment drug testing into your hiring process. With AMH Nationwide as your partner, you’re assured of comprehensive, accurate, and dignified drug testing services tailored to your needs. Together, we can build a safer and more productive workplace for everyone.

Drug testing is a common practice implemented across many industries and situations, from pre-employment screenings to randomized testing of at-risk individuals to discourage drug use. Two of the most widely used types of drug tests are urine and blood tests.

While both of these tests are designed to detect the presence of illicit substances in a person’s system, there are significant differences in the procedures, types of substances detected, and accuracy of each of these options.

Understanding the differences between a urine and a drug test can help you and your company decide which method suits your requirements and how this form of drug testing will affect your employees.

Ready to distinguish and make an informed decision between blood and urine drug tests? Delve into our comprehensive guide to learn everything you need to know to make the right choice and how AMH Nationwide makes accurate, simple drug testing processes accessible to everyone.

What Is Drug Testing and Why Does It Matter?

Drug testing is a screening procedure carried out across a number of industries as well as specialized circumstances. Drug testing involves using medical or biological means to detect the presence of illicit substances and drugs in a person’s system.

The most common drug tests involve testing an individual’s urine, blood, saliva, hair, or sweat. These tests can detect a wide variety of substances, including illegal drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine, alcohol, and certain pharmaceutical drugs.

By conducting randomized and pre-employment drug testing, business owners can ensure their employees and workplace remain drug-free. Not only does this help businesses maintain productivity but reduce the incidence of workplace accidents due to drug use or abuse.

Understanding the Difference Between Urine and Blood Drug Testing

As the name suggests, the main difference between a urine and blood drug test is the fluid that is tested. A urine drug test involves testing a urine sample while a blood test involves testing a blood sample.

However, to choose which test is best suited to your workplace and requirements, there are numerous other differences to consider.

Procedure

One of the biggest differences between blood and urine drug tests is the procedure. A blood drug test requires the person being tested to have their blood drawn by a medical professional. The blood is labeled and then sent to a lab for testing.

A urine drug test requires the person being tested to collect a urine sample either alone or under supervision, depending on the circumstances and environment in which they’re being tested. Once collected, the urine is also labeled and sent to a lab.

Compared to a urine drug test, a blood drug test is far more invasive and painful. Many employees may object to regular or pre-employment blood tests as it can seem like too much trouble or too great an invasion of their privacy,

Detection Times

The amount of time during which traces of a drug are detectable in a person’s body after they have used the drug is called the detection time. A blood drug test typically screens for traces of the original drug that was taken. As the body often quickly breaks down and metabolizes most drugs and alcohol, the detection time for blood drug tests is much smaller and only accurate between two to 12 hours after use.

In comparison, a urine drug test can detect the original drug as well as its metabolites, which means its detection time is much longer than a blood test. Depending on the type of drug being tested for and how quickly the person’s body metabolizes it, a urine test can detect recent and past drug misuse for a few days, or a few weeks for marijuana use.

However, while a blood test can detect even current intoxication, urine tests are only effective several hours after use.

Accuracy

Blood drug tests are known to be some of the most accurate drug tests available to detect substances within a person’s system. Although urine drug tests are also highly effective, in rare cases they may give false positives or negatives depending on the conditions under which they were taken.

Types of Substances Detected

Both blood and urine drug tests can detect the following substances, among others:

• Amphetamines
• Benzodiazepines
• Barbiturates
• Cocaine
• THC (marijuana)
• Opiates
• Oxycodone
• Methadone
• Alcohol
• Fentanyl

Cost and Practicality

When it comes to cost and practicality, urine drug tests are the clear winner. Although blood drug tests are more accurate and can be used to detect current drug use, they are invasive and more expensive than other alternatives.

For some, blood drug tests can be a painful, unsettling experience, making them less likely to want to comply. On the other hand, urine drug tests from AMH Nationwide are not only cost-effective but minimally invasive, making them easy to administer without infringing on your employees’ privacy or comfort.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Drug Test

For business owners, concerned parents, and government agencies, there is much to consider when deciding on the type of drug tests to use, including:

• How many people need to be tested
• How often testing must be carried out
• What type of drugs and drug use patterns you are screening for
• The privacy laws and regulations applicable in your state or county

How AMH Nationwide Makes Workplace Drug Testing Easier

While both blood and urine drug tests have their distinct advantages, urine tests are the preferred choice for many reasons:

• They detect the same range of substances as a blood test.
• They are reliable and accurate.
• They are cheaper and less invasive than blood tests.
• They are more accessible and easy to use, making them perfect for regular or bulk testing.

That’s why AMH Nationwide offers a highly effective and accurate five-panel urine drug test that screens for the most commonly abused drugs in a non-invasive, easy-to-carry-out manner.

For more information on our range of drug tests, and to access the tests that best suit your business or circumstances, get in touch with us today.

The open road calls to many, offering a life of adventure, new horizons, and often, rewarding careers. One such career is truck driving, a profession filled with possibilities yet demanding strict adherence to safety rules. An essential part of these regulations, often overlooked, revolves around substance use and drug testing. As a leader in national drug and alcohol testing, we’re going to delve deep into the realm of hair tests for truck driving, discussing why they’re necessary, what they involve, and the implications of testing positive.

The Importance of Drug Testing in Truck Driving

As an industry that holds the safety of the public and its drivers in the highest regard, truck driving has a zero-tolerance policy towards drug use. Federal law requires all commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders to undergo regular drug testing. Usually, it involves a 5-panel test that screens for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines/methamphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP).

These tests aim to ensure a drug-free environment, making our roads safer for everyone. However, typical urine-based tests are limited in their ability to detect substance use beyond a few days. This is where hair tests for truck drivers come in.

Hair Testing: A More Comprehensive Approach

Unlike urine testing, hair tests can detect drug use over a much more extended period, usually up to 90 days and even longer with a body hair sample. This provides employers with a more comprehensive view of a driver’s substance use habits, creating an additional safety net for the industry.

Hair testing involves cutting a small amount of hair from the driver’s head or body. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it’s analyzed for signs of drug use. These tests are exceptionally accurate and are becoming increasingly prevalent in the truck driving industry.

Ensuring Privacy and Anonymity

One of the key benefits of partnering with a company like AMH Nationwide for these tests is the “know you are negative” private and anonymous hair collections. AMH Nationwide understands the importance of privacy and anonymity in drug testing. We offer services that allow drivers to check their status privately before official tests, helping them ensure they are negative and ready for their employment screening.

The Consequences of Testing Positive

While it’s vital to understand the need for and process of hair tests, it’s equally important to be aware of the consequences of testing positive. Unfortunately, testing positive on a drug test can have far-reaching implications for a truck driver.

When a truck driver tests positive, their name is entered into al database—the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse—under a ‘failed test.’ This flag makes it incredibly difficult to find employment in the industry as it stays on their record for five years unless they complete a mandated return-to-duty process.

Return-to-Duty Process

If a truck driver tests positive, they must complete a return-to-duty process overseen by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). This process involves an initial evaluation, possible treatment and education, a follow-up evaluation, and follow-up testing. This is a necessary step to get back into the profession and ensure the driver is completely free of substance use.

The Bottom Line

Drug and alcohol tests, including hair tests, are a crucial part of the truck driving industry. They ensure that our roads remain safe and that truck drivers maintain the highest standards of professional conduct. Failing these tests can have serious implications on a driver’s career, and understanding this can help underscore the importance of staying substance-free.

With a reputable and trusted company like AMH Nationwide at their side, truck drivers can confidently navigate this requirement.

Ready to hit the road with confidence? Reach out to AMH Nationwide for confidential and comprehensive drug testing. Don’t just guess—know you’re negative. 

It is possible for an initial drug screen to lead to a false positive result. Studies suggest that 5-10 percent of drug tests may be false positives, while 10-15 percent may be false negatives.1 However, proper confirmation testing can confirm the presence of illicit drugs or sometimes even identify the cause of false test results. Before you start a long quest to determine what caused your false positive drug test read the following information. 

Clearly, inaccurate drug tests can and do happen, sometimes with devastating results for the person being tested. What causes a drug test to lead to a false positive, and how can we avoid the serious life consequences of false positive drug tests?

The Impact of False Positive Drug Test Results

Employers supporting a drug-free workplace and public agencies usually employ an urine drug test or immunoassay tests as a quick and cost-effective way to complete their drug testing requirements. These types of tests are screening drug tests, and are prone to false positive  results when not performed along with confirmation testing. 

Unless they are followed up with confirmatory testing such as gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS), these false results can have serious consequences like these:

• Receiving a false positive for cocaine, opioids, or meth can result in immediate job loss or prevent someone from being hired.
  Receiving a false positive for probation could result in loss of privileges or incarceration for someone on parole or probation.
• Receiving a false positive for CPS could result in losing custody of a child or failing to regain custody when a parent is in recovery.
• Students may be excluded from competitive sports, be suspended, or expelled from school after a false positive result on a drug test.
• Patients might receive inappropriate medical care or be excluded from pain management programs based on perceived drug use.

What Causes False Positive Tests?

Ingesting or coming into contact with a drug can possibly trigger a drug test and can lead to false positive results. In some cases second-hand or incidental contact with an illicit drug can trigger a false positive on a urine drug screen. To be clear, if you have been exposed to a drug, or have had “passive exposure” to a drug or inhalant of that drug the test is not actually a false positive but instead is in fact identifying the drug. Avoiding these common causes will reduce your chances of dealing with a false positive drug test:2

• Secondhand contact. If you share a home or spend time with someone who smokes pot or other drugs, such as “meth” or “crystal meth” or “crack cocaine” you will inhale smoke or other fumes, which might show up on a drug test as low level use. It is not common, but also not impossible for an individual and even a child to test positive for crystal meth simply from living with a person that smokes the drug and you later touching surfaces in your environment. (for passive exposure testing consider a ChildGuard environmental exposure test) 
• Poppy or hemp seeds. Eating poppy seeds or hemp seeds can cause a false positive on a drug test. These seeds have small traces of opium or cannabis oils, which an initial test detects as drug use in some cases. While a good quality drug test should not result in a true false positive in this case there are some very low cost, lesser quality drug tests sometimes being used. Follow-up drug testing by GCMS technology should eliminate this occurrence. 
• Prescription medications. Some of our clients are so concerned they may get a false drug test result due to their prescription that they simply stop taking their prescriptions. This of course is not a good idea to stop taking a prescription that your doctor has deemed necessary. Realize any reputable drug testing agency should provide medical review for what we call “non-negative” drug test results. Medical review is the process of establishing and verifying that the prescription is in fact causing the positive drug test. If so, the report will be notated appropriately! At AMH Nationwide this service is part of our process and our price! This is especially important with pre employment drug testing simply because an employee should not be required to discuss their private prescriptions with their employer! Also, do not bring your prescription to the lab with you, we will call only if we need to discuss your prescription. 
• Mouthwash and hand sanitizer. Using either of these products on a regular basis can cause a false positive for alcohol. Especially in the transportation industry, failing a random urine test for alcohol can ground a pilot or put a bus driver on the bench. Being falsely accused of drinking on the job can get a construction worker or warehouse employee fired on the spot. However, before you get too concerned about this realize there is a wide variety of alcohol tests. This situation can occur with some alcohol tests, but not most! 

Interpreting and Confirming Drug Test Results

While the initial immunoassay test is helpful for large-scale screenings at low cost, when a positive result is obtained, the patient or employee is entitled to a more accurate test to confirm the results and eliminate the possibility of a false positive. If collection and testing have retained a portion of the sample for confirmatory testing, this should be done with a more accurate testing method.

The remaining urine may be used, although a more accurate result spanning a longer period of time can be obtained by switching to hair or nail analysis. Confirming tests should use gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and be performed by a professional and impartial laboratory. These methods of testing reduce the chance of a false positive to almost zero.

Choosing a Reputable Drug Testing Provider

Performing strip tests onsite is likely to generate more questionable test results and a complete inability to follow up with more accurate testing methods when a positive result is obtained. Employers and government agencies can provide more accurate tests performed by impartial and professional technicians by switching to a trusted testing provider like AMH Nationwide.

We offer accurate testing of urine, hair, and nails with automatic confirmation of all positive test results. Negative results are available quickly, and positive results reported only when they have been confirmed with more advanced testing methods. AMH handles drug testing for employers and agencies across the country with fast and accurate testing through Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, and other industry leaders.

Let us find the right balance of price and testing technology for your needs with our certified testing labs in full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. In most cases, advanced confirmation testing is included in our prices, so even if your lunchroom serves poppy seed bagels every day, you can accurately assess your employees and take appropriate actions with confidence. Contact us today to start accurately testing tomorrow.

Sources:

1. https://www.drugs.com/article/false-positive-drug-tests.html
2. https://www.webmd.com/drug-medication/ss/slideshow-drugs-false-positive-test

The open road calls to many, offering a life of adventure, new horizons, and often, rewarding careers. One such career is truck driving, a profession filled with possibilities yet demanding strict adherence to safety rules. An essential part of these regulations, often overlooked, revolves around substance use and drug testing. As a leader in national drug and alcohol testing, we’re going to delve deep into the realm of hair tests for truck driving, discussing why they’re necessary, what they involve, and the implications of testing positive.

The Importance of Drug Testing in Truck Driving

As an industry that holds the safety of the public and its drivers in the highest regard, truck driving has a zero-tolerance policy towards drug use. Federal law requires all commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders to undergo regular drug testing. Usually, it involves a 5-panel test that screens for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines/methamphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP).

These tests aim to ensure a drug-free environment, making our roads safer for everyone. However, typical urine-based tests are limited in their ability to detect substance use beyond a few days. This is where hair tests for truck drivers come in.

Hair Testing: A More Comprehensive Approach

Unlike urine testing, hair tests can detect drug use over a much more extended period, usually up to 90 days and even longer with a body hair sample. This provides employers with a more comprehensive view of a driver’s substance use habits, creating an additional safety net for the industry.

Hair testing involves cutting a small amount of hair from the driver’s head or body. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it’s analyzed for signs of drug use. These tests are exceptionally accurate and are becoming increasingly prevalent in the truck driving industry.

Ensuring Privacy and Anonymity

One of the key benefits of partnering with a company like AMH Nationwide for these tests is the “know you are negative” private and anonymous hair collections. AMH Nationwide understands the importance of privacy and anonymity in drug testing. We offer services that allow drivers to check their status privately before official tests, helping them ensure they are negative and ready for their employment screening.

The Consequences of Testing Positive

While it’s vital to understand the need for and process of hair tests, it’s equally important to be aware of the consequences of testing positive. Unfortunately, testing positive on a drug test can have far-reaching implications for a truck driver.

When a truck driver tests positive, their name is entered into al database—the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse—under a ‘failed test.’ This flag makes it incredibly difficult to find employment in the industry as it stays on their record for five years unless they complete a mandated return-to-duty process.

Return-to-Duty Process

If a truck driver tests positive, they must complete a return-to-duty process overseen by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). This process involves an initial evaluation, possible treatment and education, a follow-up evaluation, and follow-up testing. This is a necessary step to get back into the profession and ensure the driver is completely free of substance use.

The Bottom Line

Drug and alcohol tests, including hair tests, are a crucial part of the truck driving industry. They ensure that our roads remain safe and that truck drivers maintain the highest standards of professional conduct. Failing these tests can have serious implications on a driver’s career, and understanding this can help underscore the importance of staying substance-free.

With a reputable and trusted company like AMH Nationwide at their side, truck drivers can confidently navigate this requirement.

Ready to hit the road with confidence? Reach out to AMH Nationwide for confidential and comprehensive drug testing. Don’t just guess—know you’re negative.

Drug use among minors presents a very dangerous situation for young people and many parents, educators, and employers are looking for new ways to protect middle and high school students from developing substance abuse disorders. Can you legally and ethically perform a drug test on a minor and how should the results be used?

When Are Minors Required to Take a Drug Test?

There are a number of cases where it is standard procedure to require drug or alcohol testing for minors. Some of these include:

• When a parent or caregiver sees signs of drug use in their child that they believe is serious enough to cause them harm
• When recommended by a recovery or medical professional who has consulted with the parent and minor child about drug or alcohol use
• When suspected drug use might indicate self-medication for other serious mental or physical health issues
• When required by the court system after an arrest or legal problem
• As a condition of participation in school athletics
• When required for employment, with proper parental consent
• When required for private school enrollment, summer camps, or other educational or career opportunities

Signs of Teen Drug Use

Parents, educators, or peers might notice warning signs of substance abuse in a teenager. Drug testing your teen is not a substitute for conversations and guidance about the dangers of drug use for young people, but it can be a useful tool in providing additional support for minors struggling with the cycle of early drug use.

Warning signs that a young person might be abusing drugs or alcohol include:

• Poor performance at school or work
• Behaving in a secretive or deceptive manner
• Sudden and dramatic changes in behavior or personality
• Sleeping much more or less than normal
• Forgetfulness, lack of focus, missing appointments and deadlines
• Declining self-care and hygiene
• Smelling like alcohol or drugs or possessing paraphernalia

Ethical Concerns About Drug Testing Minors

While parents certainly have the right to drug test their children, the American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to consider carefully before forcing a minor to take a drug test. Doing so may damage the relationship of trust between parent and child, but it is appropriate when your child may be in danger. When drug testing is recommended, it should be done by a professional testing facility to avoid the serious consequences of a false positive result.

Experts and medical professionals will consider these factors before determining if involuntary drug testing is warranted:

• Competence. If the young person shows good cognitive functioning and developmental status, which shows they are capable of understanding the consequences of their actions, and they are not currently intoxicated, they are considered competent to make a decision about drug testing.
• Consent. If the minor person is competent and understands the request for a drug test, then obtaining their consent is required in a medical setting, unless there is an emergency medical situation or they are in immediate danger. Obtaining consent as a parent will help maintain a relationship of trust with your child.
• Confidentiality. Adolescents have the right to a doctor/patient relationship of trust and confidentiality. This allows them to speak to their doctor about their health care needs in a safe environment. The law may require a medical professional to disclose a minor’s drug use to parents or authorities in cases where serious harm to the patient or others might occur.
• Paternalism. This refers to the recognized need for adults, especially parents and medical professionals, to sometimes go against the wishes of a minor person when there is a substantial risk of harm. Unlike adults, a minor is recognized to need a paternal level of care that seeks to protect them from the consequences of dangerous behaviors.

How Do You Drug Test a Minor for Work or School?

Each state has specific drug testing laws, but, in general, minors and their parents must both consent to a drug test before it can be performed by their school or their employer. Refusal to consent to a legally required drug test will usually mean that the young person cannot participate in the activity. State law will govern how the test results are reported and to whom.

Types of Drug and Alcohol Tests for Minors

The same types of drug tests are performed regardless of age. Saliva tests are best used when suspected drug or alcohol use has just occurred, as their window of detection is very short. Standard urine tests are the most common choice, with a detection window of two to three days for most drugs.

Hair tests are probably the most useful drug test for minors because they have a long detection window and are less prone to false negatives than urine drug testing. Fingernail clippings are another useful test for occasional or intermittent drug use, although neither of these methods will detect drug use in the last few days.

Home testing kits are the most basic way to perform drug testing on a minor, but, unfortunately, they are prone to false negatives and false positives that can do more harm than good for parents who are looking to prevent or identify drug use in their children. All presumably positive drug tests need to be confirmed with more advanced lab analysis before they are truly considered to be a positive test result.

What if the Test Is Positive?

Having a positive result on a simple urine drug screening does not necessarily mean that your child has a drug problem. A professional drug testing laboratory will need to perform confirming tests to determine what kind of substance triggered the test and in what amounts. If a minor employee or student or your own child tests positive, you should proceed with compassion and caution.

Make sure that the test was performed correctly and handled by a certified laboratory that has confirmed the initial results with gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis to guard against false positives from incidental contact, foods, or medications. If you are unsure of the specifics of the testing, consider re-testing with a professional service like AMH Nationwide.

Accurate Results for Compassionate Care

Young people who are using drugs or alcohol need a comprehensive approach to treatment and recovery, rather than punishment for failing to pass a drug test. Drug testing for minors is most useful when it informs and guides parents and caregivers to help young people make better decisions and live a healthier lifestyle.

For reliable, confidential, and accurate drug testing for minors and adults, work with a professional testing laboratory that uses the latest testing technology for results that you can trust. To learn more about EIA and Elisa hair testing with a 90-day detection window and rapid results, contact AMH Nationwide for more information on how to accurately test for your areas of concern. Working together, we can help young people avoid the devastating impacts of drug and alcohol abuse.

Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has been responsible for a growing number of overdose deaths in recent years. To combat this crisis, various methods have been developed to detect the presence of fentanyl in the body so that users can be offered treatment before it’s too late.

One of these methods is a hair test, which has proven to be a reliable way to detect long-term fentanyl use. We will explore how a hair test for fentanyl works, how it differs from other drug tests, and why it is becoming an increasingly popular tool in the fight against opioid addiction.

What Is the Fentanyl Hair Test?

The fentanyl hair test is a type of drug test that uses a small sample of hair to detect the presence of fentanyl. The test works by analyzing the hair shaft for traces of fentanyl that have been absorbed into the bloodstream and deposited in the hair follicle.

Unlike other drug tests, which may only detect drug use within a few days or weeks, the fentanyl hair test can detect drug use over a much longer period, up to several months.

The fentanyl hair test is considered to be a highly accurate and reliable method of detecting drug use, and it is commonly used by law enforcement agencies, employers, and medical professionals to screen for drug use.

Why Is the Fentanyl Hair Test Necessary?

The fentanyl hair test is necessary due to the growing problem of fentanyl use in recent years, which has resulted in a rise in overdoses and deaths. Unfortunately, it is estimated that millions of people in the U.S. are using fentanyl or other opioids, including many who are in the workforce, including those in safety-sensitive industries. Fentanyl use can have negative effects on workers, including impaired judgment, decreased reaction time, and increased risk of accidents.

Fentanyl is not typically detected in standard drug tests, including 5- and 10-panel tests, which is why the fentanyl hair test is necessary.

How Does the Hair Test for Fentanyl Work?

• Collection: The hair sample is collected from the individual undergoing testing, typically from the back of the head.
• Detection: The sample is analyzed using specialized laboratory equipment, such as
  • Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or
  • Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
• Confirmation: If fentanyl is detected in the hair sample, a confirmation test may be performed to ensure the accuracy of the results.
• Reporting: The results are typically reported to the requesting party, such as an employer or healthcare provider. The results may indicate whether the individual has used fentanyl in the past few months or longer, depending on the length of the hair sample.

Why Choose AMH Nationwide’s Hair Test for Fentanyl?

Choose AMH Nationwide’s hair test for fentanyl today and get reliable, accurate results you can trust.

Our comprehensive hair test detects fentanyl and other drugs in hair samples, providing a clear picture of an individual’s drug use over the past few months or longer. Look through our website now to learn more.

Hello A***** , We would love to help you sign your employees up for drug screens! We have a lot of employers that call us to set up company files with us. The majority of these are for 5 panel urine drug screens or 10 panel urine drug screens but, we would be glad to help you with any type of drug screen that you have in mind for them.  You would just call us and we can discuss the types of drug testing options we have. We offer lab based urine drug screening and on-site instant drug test results. We also have hair and nail drug testing options that can be very helpful in reasonable suspicion situations. Once you have decided what drugs you want your employees to be screened for we will create a company profile for you which makes things a lot easier for you to request drug testing in the future. When you know the employees that need testing you can either call in or email the employee information so that we can get a lab order put together. We will then email you the lab order for you to forward to your employees. Instant test results can complete within one hour (for negatives) and lab-based urine drug testing results will come in within 1-3 business days. 

Results take about 3-5 business days for a hair or nail test. Once the results are back, we will get them sent over to you via email. We have multiple payment options for you to choose from when you set up your account. If for some reason, your employee does not go in to be tested, you will be given a credit for your next registration. If you are interested in setting up a company file with us, please call us at 618-505-0364!

Hello **** we are happy to help get your employees drug tested right away. We can of course offer drug testing for reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion, also known as for-cause or probable-cause testing, is usually based on individualized suspicion of a particular employee and you (as the employer) should consider documenting, objectively, facts that would suggest to a reasonable person that the employee is under the influence and in violation of company policy.  When an employee is suspected of being under the influence, first hand observation should be made immediately by more than one supervisor or manager.  When two or more members of management observe significant signs of intoxication, it is enough to warrant reasonable-suspicion drug testing.  You might also consider checking your company’s drug testing policy to see what drug testing guidelines you have previously established.

Physical signs of intoxication are: bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, slurred speech, unsteady gait, uncoordinated movements, shakes, tremors, sweating, shivering, fidgeting, sleeping at work, difficulty staying awake, unusual body odor or breath, deterioration in appearance or grooming. Behavioral signs of intoxication are attendance problems, decline in performance, being withdrawn from others or secretive, borrowing or stealing money.  Psychological signs of employee drug abuse are unexplained changes in personality or behavior, sudden mood swings, irritability, angry outbursts, inappropriate laughing, fear, paranoia, inability to focus or concentrate.

Once you have documented the need for drug testing, call us and we will get your employee(s) registered for a reasonable suspicion drug test. We offer reasonable suspicion drug testing as a urinalysis, hair , or nail test. The most common panels we use for a reasonable suspicion drug test is the 5 panel, 5 panel expanded opiate, and ETG alcohol test.

A five panel drug screen tests for: amphetamines, methamphetamines, ecstasy, MDA, cocaine/metabolites, marijuana, opiates (codeine, morphine, heroin metabolite), phencyclidine (PCP). The extended opiate five panel includes amphetamine, methamphetamine, ecstasy , MDA, cocaine/metabolites, marijuana, opiates (codeine, morphine, heroin metabolite) phencyclidine (PCP) , hydrocodone (Vicotin), oxycodone, hydromorphone, and oxymorphone. 

Drug testing for reasonable suspicion should almost always include testing for alcohol. 

The standard urine alcohol test, with a detection time of about 1 to 8 hours can be added to your drug panel for only a few dollars. We also offer ETG testing, which is available in urine, hair and nail testing. An ETG test will test for ethyl glucuronide, a metabolite of ethanol, and a marker for alcohol consumption. We typically order more hair ETG tests than the others. A urine ETG test will have a look back of up to 80 hours.  A hair ETG test has a look back of an estimated 90 days (longer for body hair collection). A nail ETG test has an estimated look back of 3-6 months for fingernails and the possibility of a 1 year look back for toenails. 

Test results for these drug screens will typically take between 1-3 business days for a urine test, 3-5 business days for a hair or nail test. Once we get the results in, we will email the results to you and will be available for any follow up questions that you might have. If you are interested in registering your staff for a reasonable suspicion drug screen, please call us at 618-505-0364.