Hair drug testing provides a longer detection window for drugs of abuse. A standard hair drug test uses a 1 ½ inch sample of hair, which provides an approximate 3 month history of drug use.
While urinalysis and oral fluid drug testing measure relatively recent use (2-3 days for most drugs), hair testing can detect drug abuse as far back as 90 days. Here are some key points to consider as an employer:
For pre-employment drug testing, many clients will conduct both a hair drug test (for longer-term history) and a urine drug test (for recent history) for applicants
Hair drug testing is less invasive and more difficult to cheat since it involves directly observed collection from the donor
Increased specimen stability, making it easier to maintain the integrity of samples during transportation and storage
Positive rates for hair drug tests are typically four to five times higher compared to those of urine drug tests
Hair drug testing is not recommended for reasonable suspicion or post-accident testing as it is not effective in detecting recent use.
Drug abuse in the workplace puts employers at risk of increased accidents, increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, and higher insurance costs. Hair testing, like all drug testing methodologies, helps to mitigate these risks by screening out applicants and employees who use drugs.
Hair testing for drugs of abuse is the only drug testing method available that provides up to a 90-day drug use history. Compared with urine testing, hair testing tends to provide more positives due to its longer detection window. Hair testing requires a small sample of hair collected under direct supervision without invasion of privacy. It is an excellent option for pre-employment and random drug testing programs.
Hair Drug Test Panels
If you are considering adding hair testing to your program, it’s important to understand the different types of test panels available. Laboratories have increased the menu of panels available for hair testing beyond the typical 5 panels; there are also more comprehensive testing options available that can cover all possible drug use combinations.
It’s important to note that expanded opiate testing is now readily available through hair testing. Many laboratories are offering hair testing for additional drugs, including Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Methadone, Propoxyphene, Meperidine, Tramadol, Fentanyl, and various other substances. It’s crucial to take advantage of these testing options to ensure comprehensive and accurate drug screening results. By understanding your options, you can make an informed decision that will provide you with accurate results and help you take the necessary steps to maintain a healthy and drug-free workplace.
Hair testing is not currently approved for DOT or Federal workplace drug testing. However, it has become a popular option for non-DOT employers. In addition , several large trucking companies such as JB Hunt, C. R. England, Schneider Trucking, Swift Transportation, and Shell Oil, among others, have started performing hair testing in addition to the required 5-panel urine lab-based testing mandated by DOT. These companies have cited safety concerns and argued that expanded testing would improve on-road safety.
J.B. Hunt noted in a submission to the FMCSA that in 2021, hair testing found evidence of drug use in 7,159 applicants, but over 6,400 of those cases passed urinalysis. The company said it’s likely that those who passed the urine test would have been hired if the carrier only relied on the Department of Transportation test.
Hair testing success rate in identifying those lifestyle users is what makes that method superior, proponents say. Hair samples — usually collected by cutting or shaving an inch-and-a-half of hair — can detect drug use as far back as 90 days. Current methods of testing accepted by the DOT go back only about 48 hours.
Quote from: Arkansas Business
How We Can Help
WorkforceQA has a national network of certified hair test collectors. Our team of experts, specializing in drug testing compliance, can assist you in choosing the most suitable test for your specific requirements while ensuring that you comply with all relevant state and federal laws and regulations.
Hair drug testing provides a longer detection window for drugs of abuse. A standard hair drug test uses a 1 ½ inch sample of hair, which provides an approximate 3 month history of drug use.
