Drugs Detected in a Hair Follicle Drug Test
Drugs Detected in a Hair Follicle Drug Test and Their Detection Benefits
Drugs detected in a hair follicle drug test include a wide range of substances such as cocaine, marijuana, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. This test offers a longer detection window than urine tests, typically up to 90 days. The test is highly reliable and resistant to tampering. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your hair follicle drug test.
What Does a Hair Follicle Test Detect?
A hair follicle drug test detects the presence of drug metabolites embedded in the hair shaft. Unlike urine tests that detect recent use, hair follicle tests can reveal drug use over approximately 90 days. The testing analyzes a small sample of hair, usually 1.5 inches from the scalp, which reflects roughly three months of growth. The test identifies multiple drug classes by screening for specific metabolites deposited in the hair by the bloodstream after drug consumption.
Because hair testing reflects a longer detection period, it is preferred in employment and forensic settings that require evidence of sustained drug use rather than recent exposure.
Cocaine and Metabolites in Hair Testing
Hair follicle tests detect cocaine and its primary metabolites, including benzoylecgonine and cocaethylene. These metabolites are incorporated into the hair from the bloodstream shortly after ingestion. Cocaine testing in hair provides a detection window of up to 90 days and is highly resistant to adulteration attempts.
Hair testing for cocaine is common in workplace drug testing and legal investigations due to its extended detection window and specificity.
Marijuana (THC) Detection in Hair Follicle Tests
Hair tests detect the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, THC, as well as its metabolite THC-COOH. Since THC is fat-soluble, it binds to the hair shaft after entering the bloodstream. Standard hair drug testing panels screen for THC metabolites with a cutoff of 1 pg/mg of hair for screening and 0.1 pg/mg for confirmation.
Employers and legal entities often use hair follicle tests to detect long-term marijuana use, which urine or saliva tests may miss.
Opiates and Their Detection in Hair Testing
Opiates such as morphine, codeine, and heroin metabolites are readily detected in hair follicle tests. The testing panel typically includes morphine, codeine, 6-acetylmorphine (6-AM, a heroin-specific metabolite), and oxycodone. Hair testing distinguishes between prescribed opiate use and illicit heroin use through metabolite profiles.
Hair testing is often used in pain management monitoring and forensic cases to verify long-term opiate use patterns.
Schedule Your Hair Follicle Drug Test Today
AMH Nationwide connects you to certified collection sites and five national lab networks for accurate hair follicle drug testing. All non-negative results undergo Medical Review Officer evaluation. Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange your test.
Amphetamines and Methamphetamine in Hair Testing
Amphetamines, including methamphetamine, are included in standard hair drug test panels. These stimulants are incorporated into the hair shaft and detected as parent compounds or metabolites. The test distinguishes methamphetamine from other amphetamines due to specific metabolic markers.
Because hair testing is resistant to common adulteration techniques, it is preferred for employment and legal drug screening involving stimulants.
Phencyclidine (PCP) and Other Less Common Drugs Detected
Phencyclidine (PCP) is detected in hair follicle tests through its primary metabolite. Though less commonly tested than other drugs, PCP detection is included in extended panels. Other drugs such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and synthetic opioids may also be detected depending on the testing panel.
Testing for less common drugs requires specific lab coordination and may affect the choice of national lab network.
How to Choose the Right Hair Follicle Drug Test
Choosing the appropriate hair follicle drug test depends on the substances of concern, required detection window, and regulatory requirements. AMH Nationwide provides access to five national lab networks including Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox, each offering comprehensive hair testing panels with certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) oversight.
Contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 to discuss test options that fit your compliance or monitoring needs.
Common Questions
A hair follicle drug test typically detects drug use up to 90 days prior to the sample collection by analyzing approximately 1.5 inches of hair growth from the scalp.
Hair follicle tests are not effective for detecting very recent drug use within the past few days because it takes time for metabolites to incorporate into hair as it grows.
No. Hair follicle tests detect many common drugs like cocaine, marijuana, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP, but they do not reliably detect alcohol or some synthetic drugs.
AMH routes hair follicle drug tests through five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox.
DOT-regulated testing for safety-sensitive roles requires the federally certified urine testing protocol under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair follicle testing is used for non-DOT roles.
Every non-negative hair follicle drug test result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer as part of standard processing to confirm validity and interpret results.
Ready to get started?
AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and arranges collection nationwide. Every non-negative result reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer. Call (877) 731-6362 or contact us.