Passing a hair drug screening
Passing a Hair Drug Screening: Understanding the Process and Results
Passing a hair drug screening depends on the absence of detectable drugs in the hair sample collected. Hair drug tests detect drug use over a 90-day period by analyzing hair follicles. AMH Nationwide uses certified labs with Medical Review Officer oversight to ensure accurate results. Call (877) 731-6362 for guidance on hair drug screening.
What is a hair drug screening and how does it work?
A hair drug screening is a laboratory test that detects drug metabolites embedded in hair shafts. Drugs consumed are deposited into the hair follicle from the bloodstream and remain traceable for up to 90 days. The test involves collecting a small hair sample from the scalp or body, which is then analyzed by specialized equipment at certified labs.
AMH Nationwide routes hair drug screening specimens to one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. All non-negative results undergo review by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) to confirm accuracy and rule out legitimate medical explanations.
How long can drugs be detected in hair samples?
Drugs can typically be detected in hair for up to 90 days after use. Hair grows approximately 0.5 inches per month, and standard testing analyzes the first 1.5 inches of hair closest to the scalp to assess drug exposure over three months.
This long detection window makes hair drug screening effective for identifying past drug use even when the drugs no longer appear in urine or blood. However, very recent drug use within the last 5 to 7 days may not be detected since the hair containing those metabolites has not yet grown out of the scalp.
What does passing a hair drug screening mean?
Passing a hair drug screening means that the hair sample tested does not contain drug metabolites above the established cutoff levels for the substances tested. This indicates no drug use detected during the 90-day detection window.
Cutoff levels are set by federal guidelines and vary by drug class. A negative test result is confirmed after review by the MRO, who ensures that no legitimate medical conditions or medications caused a false positive.
Can a hair drug screening be beaten or evaded?
Hair drug screening is highly reliable and difficult to evade due to the nature of drug incorporation into hair follicles. Scientific studies and laboratory standards support the accuracy and resistance to adulteration of hair testing.
Attempts to cheat or beat the test, such as hair treatments or shaving, are generally ineffective or easily detected during specimen collection. AMH Nationwide strictly follows federally certified protocols and uses multiple national labs to maintain testing integrity.
Need to Schedule a Hair Drug Screening?
Call AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 to get your lab order and find a local collection site. Our labs follow strict protocols to ensure accurate hair drug screening results.
Who typically requires hair drug screening?
Hair drug screening is commonly ordered by employers for pre-employment or random drug testing, courts and probation departments for compliance monitoring, and individuals seeking confirmation of drug abstinence.
Because hair testing provides a longer detection window than urine, it is preferred when a comprehensive drug use history is needed. AMH Nationwide facilitates hair drug screening by providing lab orders and directing individuals to collection sites nationwide.
How do I get a hair drug screening through AMH Nationwide?
AMH Nationwide does not provide online ordering. To initiate a hair drug screening, call (877) 731-6362 to obtain a lab order. You will then be directed to a nearby collection site within AMH’s network of over 20,000 nationwide locations.
At the collection site, a trained professional will collect the hair sample according to strict chain-of-custody and federal guidelines. The sample is sent to one of five national labs for analysis. Results are reviewed by a Medical Review Officer before release.
Common Questions
Yes, hair drug screening can detect a single instance of drug use if the hair sample contains the metabolites. The test reflects drug exposure over about 90 days, but very recent use within a week may not show.
Hair color may slightly influence drug metabolite incorporation, but labs use scientifically validated methods to account for variations. Results remain reliable across different hair types.
Yes, hair drug screening follows federal guidelines and cutoff levels. DOT-regulated safety-sensitive roles require urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40, but hair tests are used for non-DOT roles.
Typically, results are available within several days after collection. The exact time depends on the lab workload and panel complexity. All results are reviewed by a Medical Review Officer.
Passive exposure is unlikely to cause a positive hair drug screening because cutoff levels are set to distinguish between environmental contamination and actual drug use.
Hair drug screening commonly detects substances such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Panels vary, so call (877) 731-6362 for specific test options.
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.