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Hair drug testing, like no other drug testing, shows a history of chronic abuse. Urine drug testing is better for showing recent abuse. Both tests can be used together to provide a better picture of the overall situation.
A drug test performed on a hair sample tests for the following drugs: Cocaine, Marijuana, Amphetamines, Opiates and Phencyclidine. It also shows Methamphetamine and Ecstasy.
All collections are done with strict chain of custody procedures. Photocopies of all photo Identification is made if the donor’s specimen is collected at our office location. A photo of the donor can be taken if requested prior to the donor appearing for testing.
The hair length notation on the laboratory results represents the donor’s approximate hair length at the time the specimen was collected.
The donor’s hair must be a minimum of ½ inches long for a head hair test. A standard hair test will only test the first 1½ inches of hair. The hair is cut as close as possible to the scalp. Donor’s with longer hair can be tested as far back as one year provided the hair is long enough and arrangements are made prior to the donor appearing for testing. Each 1 ½ inch section constitutes a separate hair test.
In regard to the time frame for hair tests, it is important to note that hair grows at approximately ½ inch per month. It takes hair roughly one to two weeks to grow from the hair follicle through the scalp to a level above the scalp accessible to scissors. The first 1½ inches of hair cut off from the scalp is tested by the laboratory, therefore, a hair analysis of 1½ inches goes back approximately 90 days. If the donor has only ½ inch of hair the results only go back approximately 30 days.
Because of the relative slow growth of hair, a single use of a drug will not typically be detected during a hair analysis. Hair testing is best used to the answer the question “Did the subject chronically use a drug within the past X months?” (X represents the length of the hair)
All positive results are automatically subjected to confirmation testing by GC/MS. GC/MS confirmed positive results are then sent to an MRO (Medical Review Officer). An MRO is a specially trained physician who interviews the donor and assess if a positive test is due to a verifiable prescription drug, over-the-counter medication or food substance. An MRO can reverse a positive laboratory test to a negative if warranted.
Partnered with one of the premier laboratories in the U.S., Asure Test has been providing hair testing for drugs since 1999. Asure Test follows strict chain of custody and identification procedures to insure court admissible, accurate results.
Please call our office for additional information.
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