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> Hair Drug Test
Hair Drug Test
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What is Hair Testing?
Hair testing is a process in
which hair specimens are analyzed for
illegal drugs.
When a drug is ingested, it enters the blood stream and is broken down to a
specific metabolite. When a hair sample is screened, both the parent drug and
the metabolite are isolated. Any samples that screen as potentially positive
are confirmed using state-of-the-art
GC/MS (Gas Chromotography/Mass Spectrometry) technology.
In order for
a hair sample to test positive, the metabolite of the drug will be detected if
the donor has physically ingested the drug. Our
Laboratory uses detection levels that
follow government recommendations.
Why use
Hair Testing?
When compared to other forms
of testing (urine, blood,
oral fluids), hair samples can detect a
longer period of drug use. For example, urinalysis can only detect most drugs
within 2-3 days of use with the exception of marijuana, which may be detected
for a longer period of time. After this period, a donor will be free of the
drug, test negative and slip through the screening process. This is important
in
pre-employment testing where most candidates are aware that a
drug test might be required and can abstain
accordingly. With hair samples, the only time limitation for detecting drug
usage is imposed by the length of the donor’s hair. The industry standard is to
test 1.5 inches of head hair for a 90 day history.
Why is hair testing the best
method of detecting substance abusers?
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Hair testing offers the longest
window of
detection (90 days standard test).
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Hair specimens cannot be
adulterated
or substituted.
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Collection is safe and simple – without the hazards
associated with the handling of body fluids.
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Pricing is competitive with other methods even before the
potential costs of employing a drug user are considered.
Pros and Cons of Hair Drug
Testing:
Pros: This
method has the longest
drug detection window. For the majority of drugs the window
of use is about 90 days or more. This method is also very donor
friendly.
Adulteration is the hardest to do with this method. This
test is also very dependable and accurate.
Cons: The
biggest disadvantage to this method is that you have to have a
lab run the test and obtain the results. Because of this
extra step, it can take a few extra days to get your test
results. Another disadvantage is that it most likely will not
pick up very recent drug use. Hair test kits are also the most
expensive
drug test kits because of the necessity of using a lab for
the testing.
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Hair Drug Test |
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Description
Hair Drug Test (5 panel drug test)
#LAB-Hair |
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MRO - Medical Review Officer Services |
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Description
#LAB-MRO Service - Medical Review Officer
review / confirmation of Lab results.
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For more information on the different
types of drug tests, click on one of the links to the left.
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