How to read hair follicle test results levels
Understanding How to Read Hair Follicle Test Results Levels for Clear Interpretation
How to read hair follicle test results levels involves understanding the concentration of drug metabolites detected in hair samples analyzed by certified labs. These levels reflect drug use over weeks to months and are reviewed by a Medical Review Officer for accuracy. Call (877) 731-6362 for lab-directed hair follicle testing and result interpretation.
What are hair follicle test results levels?
Hair follicle test results levels indicate the concentration of drug metabolites deposited in the hair shaft. These levels are measured in picograms per milligram (pg/mg) of hair and reflect drug use over a detection window of approximately 90 days. The test detects substances such as amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, marijuana, and phencyclidine.
Results levels provide a semi-quantitative indication of drug exposure rather than an exact amount of use. Laboratories like Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox analyze these samples following strict protocols.
How to interpret hair follicle test results levels?
Interpreting hair follicle test results levels requires comparing detected concentrations against established cutoff values defined by SAMHSA or other regulatory bodies. Levels above the cutoff indicate a positive result for drug exposure.
A certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) reviews all non-negative results to confirm the presence of drug metabolites and to rule out potential explanations such as passive exposure or contamination. The MRO also considers medical history and prescription medications.
What is the detection window reflected in hair follicle test results levels?
Hair follicle testing detects drug use typically from 7 days up to 90 days prior to sample collection. The hair sample usually consists of about 1.5 inches cut closest to the scalp, representing approximately three months of growth.
This detection window is longer than urine or saliva tests, making hair follicle testing useful for identifying chronic or repeated drug use over time.
How does AMH Nationwide handle hair follicle test results levels?
AMH Nationwide routes hair follicle samples to one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. These labs follow strict SAMHSA-aligned procedures for analysis.
AMH facilitates the lab order and directs the requester to an authorized collection site. There is no online ordering available. After lab analysis, a certified Medical Review Officer reviews all non-negative results as part of standard processing.
For DOT-regulated safety-sensitive roles, hair follicle testing is not used; instead, federally certified urine protocols under 49 CFR Part 40 apply.
Need Help with Hair Follicle Test Results Interpretation?
Contact AMH Nationwide to schedule hair follicle testing through our authorized collection sites. Call (877) 731-6362 for expert assistance and to understand your test results.
Can hair follicle test results levels be affected by passive exposure or hair treatments?
Passive exposure to drugs such as marijuana smoke typically does not produce positive hair follicle test results levels above established cutoffs because the metabolites must be incorporated into the hair from the bloodstream.
Hair treatments like bleaching or dyeing can sometimes reduce drug metabolite concentrations, but labs and Medical Review Officers consider these factors during interpretation to avoid inaccurate conclusions.
Who uses hair follicle test results levels and why?
Employers, courts, probation officers, and individuals use hair follicle test results levels to assess long-term drug use patterns. The test’s extended detection window makes it valuable for monitoring compliance with drug-free programs or legal requirements.
Results provide objective evidence reviewed by certified professionals to ensure accuracy and fairness in decision-making.
How much does hair follicle testing cost?
Pricing for hair follicle testing varies depending on the specific drug panel requested and the detection window. To obtain a price quote tailored to your testing needs, please call (877) 731-6362.
Common Questions
A positive result means drug metabolites were detected in the hair sample at levels above regulatory cutoffs, indicating drug use within the past 90 days. A Medical Review Officer reviews positive results to confirm accuracy.
Hair follicle testing typically detects drug use from about 7 days after exposure, reflecting use over roughly the previous three months. It is not suited for detecting very recent use within hours or days.
Hair color and type can influence drug metabolite incorporation slightly, but labs account for this in testing protocols. Results are interpreted by certified Medical Review Officers to reduce bias.
Hair follicle tests analyzed by national labs and reviewed by Medical Review Officers are highly reliable for detecting drug use over extended periods. They follow SAMHSA-aligned and CAP/CLIA-accredited standards.
No. DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires federally certified urine testing protocols under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair follicle testing is used for non-DOT roles only.
AMH Nationwide directs you to a collection site after placing a lab order with one of five national labs. There is no online ordering. Call (877) 731-6362 to start the process.
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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.