With this type of drug testing the individual goes into a collection site or a sample can be collected on-site by other employee. When the hair sample is collected it is then sent to the lab, and the results are then reported by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO). A small amount of hair is taken and no visible sign of the sample will be visible. Body hair can be used in case where the individual has less than one inch of hair. The lab performs an initial screen on the sample and a GC/MS confirmation test if the results are positive. This testing method provides highly accurate, quantitative data on long term drug use for up to 90 days prior to test date. Hair testing will yield up to three times an many positive users than urine-- making it a proven alternative testing method. This method removes any embarrassment for both the test giver and test taker.

Hair testing is still not yet approved for DOT testing or under SAMHSA guidelines for Federal Workplace testing. However, is it a great for non-DOT testing programs and for personal testing.

EBS provides turnaround times on hair testing are 24 to 36 hours for negative results and up to additional 36 hours for all positives. Our national drug screening network which includes over 15,000 collection sites, EBS will work with you to find a location that is nearest you, usually within a few miles.

With hair testing, only 5 panels of drugs of abuse can be tested. Hair testing cannot be used to detect alcohol and does not provided evidence of current impairment or drug used in the last 3 to 7 days. One advantage of hair testing is prevention of adulteration and that hair analysis can detect drug use for approximately the previous 90 days. Hair testing does not provide evidence of current impairment, only past use of a specific drugs. The disadvantage is the cost, which is more than lab based urine testing.