What does a hair follicle test show
Understanding What a Hair Follicle Test Shows for Reliable Drug Detection
What does a hair follicle test show? This test detects drug use by analyzing hair strands for substances used within the past 90 days. It identifies patterns of drug consumption rather than one-time use. Testing is performed through national labs including Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. Call (877) 731-6362 for information.
What does a hair follicle test show about drug use?
A hair follicle test shows evidence of drug use by detecting drug metabolites in hair strands. It reveals drug consumption over approximately the last 90 days, reflecting consistent use rather than single instances. This test can identify substances such as cocaine, marijuana, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP).
This method is widely used for employment screening, legal cases, and probation monitoring because it provides a longer detection window compared to urine or saliva tests.
How long can a hair follicle test detect drug use?
Hair follicle testing typically detects drug use within a 90-day period. Hair grows about half an inch per month, and a standard test examines 1.5 inches of hair closest to the scalp. This length corresponds to roughly three months of drug exposure.
Drugs incorporate into the hair shaft from the bloodstream and remain until the hair is cut or falls out, making hair testing effective for identifying long-term use patterns.
What substances does hair follicle testing show?
Hair follicle testing shows a range of commonly abused drugs, including but not limited to:
It can detect:
– Cocaine and its metabolites
– Marijuana (THC)
– Opiates such as heroin, morphine, and codeine
– Amphetamines including methamphetamine
– Phencyclidine (PCP)
– Some extended panels may include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and synthetic opioids.
How is hair follicle drug testing performed?
Hair follicle drug testing involves collecting a small sample of hair, typically from the crown of the head. If head hair is unavailable, body hair may be collected as an alternative.
The sample is sent 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 ensure accuracy and resolve any discrepancies.
AMH Nationwide provides lab orders and directs individuals to authorized collection sites. There is no online ordering available.
Ready to Schedule Hair Follicle Drug Testing?
Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange testing through AMH Nationwide. We coordinate with national labs and local collection sites to provide accurate results reviewed by certified Medical Review Officers.
What does hair follicle testing show about accuracy and reliability?
Hair follicle testing is highly accurate for detecting chronic drug use due to the stability of drug metabolites in hair. It is less susceptible to adulteration or substitution compared to urine testing.
However, it does not detect very recent drug use within the past 7 days, as it takes time for drugs to incorporate into hair. Passive exposure rarely results in a positive test at levels above detection thresholds.
Because all positive results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer, the testing process maintains high reliability and legal defensibility.
Who orders hair follicle drug tests and why?
Employers use hair follicle drug testing for pre-employment screening and random or post-incident testing to identify long-term drug use patterns.
Courts and probation agencies rely on hair testing to monitor compliance with drug abstinence over extended periods.
Individuals may also request hair drug testing for personal knowledge or legal documentation.
DOT-regulated safety-sensitive positions require federally certified urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40; hair testing is used primarily for non-DOT roles.
How much does hair follicle drug testing cost?
Pricing for hair follicle drug testing varies depending on the drug panel selected and the detection window required.
Because prices differ by test complexity and lab network, callers should contact AMH Nationwide directly for a specific quote.
Call (877) 731-6362 to discuss pricing options and arrange testing.
Common Questions
Hair follicle testing is more effective at detecting repeated drug use over weeks to months. One-time or very recent use may not be detected because drugs take time to incorporate into hair.
Standard hair follicle drug tests do not detect alcohol. Specialized tests may detect ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in hair but are separate from common drug panels.
Chemical treatments like bleaching or dyeing can reduce drug metabolite levels in hair but typically do not eliminate them completely. Labs use methods to account for such factors.
Hair testing generally detects drug use from about 7 days after consumption up to 90 days, reflecting hair growth and drug incorporation timelines.
Hair follicle tests are not used for federally regulated DOT safety-sensitive positions, which require urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair testing is accepted for non-DOT roles.
All non-negative hair follicle test results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to confirm accuracy and address any medical explanations before final reporting.
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.