How reliable are hair follicle drug tests
Understanding How Reliable Hair Follicle Drug Tests Are for Long-Term Detection
How reliable are hair follicle drug tests? Hair follicle drug tests are highly reliable for detecting drug use within approximately 90 days prior to collection, with results reviewed by certified Medical Review Officers. These tests are less susceptible to short-term fluctuations than urine tests. For accurate testing through national labs, call (877) 731-6362.
How reliable is hair follicle drug testing for detecting drug use?
Hair follicle drug testing is considered reliable for detecting drug metabolites deposited in hair shafts over a period of up to 90 days. The test analyzes a small hair sample, typically about 1.5 inches in length, which reflects drug intake during that time frame. This method is less vulnerable to short-term drug use fluctuations compared to urine or saliva tests.
At AMH Nationwide, all hair follicle drug tests are processed through one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. Each non-negative result undergoes review by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO), ensuring accuracy and proper interpretation.
What is the detection window for hair follicle drug tests?
Hair follicle drug tests detect drug use within an approximate 90-day window. This is because hair grows roughly 0.5 inches per month, and a standard 1.5-inch hair sample represents about three months of growth. Drugs and their metabolites are incorporated into the hair shaft from the bloodstream during this time.
Are hair follicle drug tests reliable in terms of accuracy?
Hair follicle drug tests are highly accurate when performed by certified labs following standardized protocols. The use of advanced analytical methods such as immunoassay screening followed by confirmatory testing with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) minimizes false positives.
AMH Nationwide ensures that all testing is conducted through SAMHSA-certified labs with CAP and CLIA accreditation, further supporting test reliability.
Can hair follicle drug tests produce false positives or false negatives?
While hair follicle drug tests are generally reliable, false positives can occasionally occur due to environmental contamination or certain cosmetic hair treatments. However, confirmatory testing and review by a Medical Review Officer help reduce these occurrences.
False negatives may happen if the hair sample is too short, chemically treated, or if the individual has very light or no hair in the tested area. Additionally, hair tests do not detect very recent drug use within about 7 days since drugs take time to incorporate into hair.
Schedule Reliable Hair Follicle Drug Testing Today
To arrange accurate hair follicle drug testing through certified national labs, call AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362. Our staff will assist with lab orders and collection site referrals.
Who typically orders hair follicle drug testing and why?
Employers, legal entities, probation officers, and individuals seeking long-term drug use history often choose hair follicle drug testing. It is particularly useful for safety-sensitive roles where knowledge of drug use over several months is required.
Because hair testing is not accepted for Department of Transportation (DOT) safety-sensitive positions, urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40 is mandated for those roles.
How does AMH Nationwide handle hair follicle drug testing?
AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs the requester to one of over 20,000 nationwide collection sites. We do not offer online ordering. Collected samples are sent to one of the five national lab networks for analysis.
Every non-negative hair follicle drug test result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer as part of standard processing to ensure accurate interpretation and reporting.
Common Questions
Hair follicle drug tests are not reliable for detecting drug use within the past 7 days because it takes time for drugs to incorporate into hair strands. For recent use, urine or saliva testing is more appropriate.
Certain hair treatments like bleaching, dyeing, or perming can reduce drug metabolite concentrations in hair, potentially affecting test results. However, certified labs account for this during analysis.
Labs use a two-step process: initial immunoassay screening followed by confirmatory testing using GC-MS or LC-MS/MS. Additionally, Medical Review Officers evaluate all positive results to rule out false positives.
Hair follicle drug tests commonly detect substances including amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana (THC), opioids, phencyclidine (PCP), and benzodiazepines, among others.
AMH Nationwide provides lab orders and directs clients to authorized collection sites nationwide. We do not perform collections ourselves.
Pricing varies based on the test panel and detection window. For a quote and detailed information, call (877) 731-6362.
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.