How to remove metabolites from hair
How to Remove Metabolites from Hair: Understanding Hair Drug Testing
How to remove metabolites from hair is a common question, but hair drug testing detects drug use through metabolites embedded in the hair shaft and cannot be reliably altered or removed once present. Hair testing covers a detection window of up to 90 days. For accurate information and testing services, call (877) 731-6362.
What are metabolites in hair and why are they tested?
Metabolites in hair are chemical byproducts of drug substances that become incorporated into the hair shaft from the bloodstream. Hair drug testing detects these metabolites to determine drug use over a period of up to 90 days. The test is used by employers, courts, and probation agencies to obtain a longer-term drug use history compared to urine or saliva tests.
How does hair drug testing detect metabolites?
Hair drug testing involves collecting a small sample of hair, usually from the crown, which is then sent to one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. The labs use sensitive analytical methods such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to identify specific drug metabolites embedded in the hair matrix.
Can metabolites be removed from hair to alter test results?
Metabolites are chemically bound within the hair structure, making them extremely resistant to removal or alteration. Attempts to remove metabolites using shampoos, bleach, or other home remedies do not reliably eliminate metabolites and often damage the hair without affecting test results. Hair testing is designed to detect such tampering. Laboratories also perform checks for hair damage or adulteration.
What is the detection window for metabolites in hair?
Hair drug testing typically detects metabolites from drug use within approximately 7 to 90 days before the test. Hair grows about 0.5 inches per month, and the standard 1.5 inch sample covers roughly three months. Metabolites remain stable in the hair shaft and cannot be washed out or removed over time until the hair grows out and is cut.
Contact AMH Nationwide for Hair Drug Testing
For accurate hair drug testing and answers about how to remove metabolites from hair, call (877) 731-6362 to speak with a representative and schedule your test.
How reliable is hair drug testing for metabolites?
Hair drug testing is highly reliable and specific due to advanced laboratory techniques and strict chain-of-custody procedures. Every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer who considers medical explanations and prescription drug use. The use of five nationally accredited labs ensures standardized testing quality and compliance with SAMHSA, CAP, and CLIA guidelines.
How do I get hair drug testing for metabolites?
AMH Nationwide provides lab orders and directs individuals to one of over 20,000 nationwide collection sites for hair drug testing. There is no online ordering of tests; all orders must be placed by phone or through authorized requesters. Collection sites follow strict protocols to ensure sample integrity and proper chain of custody.
Common Questions
No, hair treatments like bleaching or shampooing do not remove drug metabolites embedded in the hair cortex. Labs can detect tampering and the metabolites remain present until the hair grows out.
Metabolites can be detected in hair for up to 90 days after drug use, depending on hair length. The standard test uses 1.5 inches of hair, reflecting approximately three months of growth.
Hair tests provide a longer detection window and are less susceptible to short-term abstinence or dilution than urine tests. Both have different uses depending on testing needs.
Since hair testing detects drug use over weeks to months, recent use will generally be detected unless the hair sample is taken before metabolites reach the hair shaft, typically about 7 days after use.
All non-negative hair drug test results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer who verifies medical explanations and prescription drug use before final reporting.
Yes, employers and other authorized requesters can contact AMH Nationwide by calling (877) 731-6362 to arrange hair drug testing and be directed to approved collection sites.
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.