Hair Drugs of Abuse Testing

• How does the drug detection window for hair compare to urine and oral fluid?

  Drug detection times vary depending on the dose, sensitivity of the testing method used, preparation and route of administration, duration of use (acute or chronic), the matrix that is analyzed, the molecule or metabolite that is looked for, the pH and concentration of the matrix (urine, oral fluid), and variations in metabolic and renal clearance.² In general, the detection time is longest in hair, followed by urine and oral fluid.² Drugs in hair may be detectable for approximately 90 days, whereas drugs in urine are generally detectable for one to seven days or longer in chronic users and in oral fluid from five to 48 hours.²

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• What time period does a hair drug test cover?

  Hair growth rates vary; typically, head hair grows at an average of one-half inch per month. Therefore, a 1.5-inch hair sample detects drug use up to 90 days prior to testing.¹

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• How much hair is needed for a hair drug test?

  A hair drug test with initial screen and confirmation requires 100 milligrams of hair (90 to 120 strands).

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• What is hair drug testing?

  Drug and drug metabolite(s) are incorporated into the hair matrix from the bloodstream following drug use. Hair drug testing detects drugs that are embedded in the hair.¹

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