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Hair follicle test results levels chart

How to Interpret Hair Follicle Test Results Levels Chart for Accurate Insights

The hair follicle test results levels chart provides a detailed breakdown of drug concentrations detected in hair samples. It shows cutoff levels used to determine positive or negative results. Understanding this chart helps interpret hair strand drug test results explained UK and US standards. Call (877) 731-6362 for expert guidance.

OVERVIEW

What is a hair follicle test results levels chart?

A hair follicle test results levels chart displays the concentration of drugs detected in hair samples, measured in picograms per milligram (pg/mg). It helps interpret whether drug levels exceed established cutoff thresholds, indicating recent or past drug use. These charts are essential for understanding hair follicle drug test results accurately.

CUT OFFS

What are hair follicle drug test cutoff levels?

Hair follicle drug test cutoff levels are the minimum drug concentration values used to determine a positive test result. For example, the common cutoff for THC-COOH is 1 pg/mg, while cocaine cutoff levels are typically 500 pg/mg. These cutoffs help labs and Medical Review Officers distinguish between incidental exposure and actual drug use.

THC-COOH cutoff: 1 pg/mg
Cocaine cutoff: 500 pg/mg
Opiates cutoff: 300 pg/mg
Amphetamines cutoff: 500 pg/mg
Phencyclidine (PCP) cutoff: 25 pg/mg
INTERPRETATION

How to read hair follicle test results levels?

Reading hair follicle test results levels involves comparing detected drug concentrations against cutoff values. Levels above the cutoff indicate a positive result, while levels below suggest a negative or inconclusive outcome. The results reflect drug use over the previous 90 days approximately, as hair grows about 1 cm per month.

Detected level > cutoff = positive
Detected level < cutoff = negative
Levels near cutoff may require Medical Review Officer evaluation
Hair length tested typically covers 90 days of drug use
DETECTION

What drugs are detected and how long with hair follicle tests?

Hair follicle tests detect drugs like marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. They provide a detection window of up to 90 days, reflecting chronic or repeated drug use rather than single events. The test is less affected by short-term abstinence or passive exposure compared to urine tests.

Marijuana (THC-COOH): up to 90 days
Cocaine: up to 90 days
Opiates (morphine, codeine): up to 90 days
Amphetamines: up to 90 days
PCP: up to 90 days

Need Help Understanding Your Hair Follicle Test Results?

Contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 for expert assistance interpreting your hair follicle drug test results levels chart. We guide employers, courts, and individuals through the testing process.

LAB NETWORKS

Which labs process hair follicle drug test results?

AMH Nationwide routes hair follicle samples through five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. Each lab uses validated methods with cutoff levels aligned to SAMHSA and CAP standards. All non-negative results are reviewed by certified Medical Review Officers.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What does 500 pg/mg or 1 pg/mg mean in hair test results?

The units pg/mg stand for picograms of drug per milligram of hair. For example, 500 pg/mg means 500 trillionths of a gram of drug per milligram of hair. This quantifies how much drug is incorporated into the hair shaft, with higher values indicating more significant drug use or exposure.

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AMH Nationwide Customer Service

AMH Nationwide is BBB A+ accredited and routes every order through Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox, all of which use multiple lab certification agencies and standards such as SAMHSA-aligned laboratory protocols, the ANSI National Accreditation Board for forensic testing and calibration, the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). Every non-negative screen is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer as part of standard processing before a result is released, and chain-of-custody documentation is maintained on every collection. This page does not constitute medical or legal advice.

Last updated: July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

Hair follicle drug tests detect drug use for up to 90 days because hair grows about 1 cm per month and the test analyzes a 1.5 inch sample representing approximately three months of growth.

Passive exposure is unlikely to produce drug levels above established cutoff thresholds. Hair testing is designed to avoid false positives from environmental contamination.

Standard panels typically test for marijuana (THC-COOH), cocaine, opiates (morphine, codeine, heroin metabolites), amphetamines, and PCP, with cutoff levels set to detect meaningful drug use.

Hair is collected by cutting approximately 1.5 inches from close to the scalp, usually from the crown area. The sample reflects drug use over the prior 90 days.

No. DOT-regulated testing requires federally certified urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair testing is used for non-DOT roles.

AMH provides the lab order and directs you to a nearby collection site. There is no online ordering. Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange testing.

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.

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