LabCorp allows you to conduct a drug test. LabCorp also offers drug tests to the employers who want to fulfill workplace requirements and eligibility. The cost of a drug test at LabCorp depends on the package you choose. There are several options of what specimen collection can be done, either urine, blood, saliva, and hair collection. The hair drug testing utilizes the specimen of hair follicle. By the way, how much is a hair follicle test at LabCorp? Well, on this page, let us talk about a hair drug test at LabCorp including its cost and process.
Hair Follicle Drug Testing
Hair follicle is one of the specimens that can be taken to conduct a drug test. Usually, a hair drug test can detect drugs for around the last 90 days. This 3-month detection period done with a hair drug test can at least cover your needs during probation, work, or school. It may take up to 7-10 days after use for the drugs to be detected in your hair.
Hair follicle testing searches for drug metabolites. Thus, external exposure will not cause false positive results. But to ensure the accuracy of your testing, we strongly advise you to avoid any kind of exposure to substances that may be detected by a drug test. It should be noted that hair follicle testing is not ideal for detecting casual or one-time drug use. Usually, this type of test is more ideal for detecting chronic use.
In addition, a hair follicle testing is also usually ordered when you want a longer detection period than a urine test can provide. In detecting long-term drug use, hair testing is more effective than other sample types. Urine or blood tests may be more appropriate for post-accident testing or more recent use.
Specimen Hair Follicle Collection
The collector will take a sample of your hair cut close to your scalp. The length of the hair cut to be sampled must be at least 1.5-2 inches. And, the hair sample should be at least 90-120 strands because that is the rule requested by the laboratory. Hair samples from areas other than the head cannot be taken due to the inconsistent growth rate of hair on the body. Once the collector gets your hair sample, it will be secured with foil. The collector will also complete a chain of custody documentation in preparation for shipment to the testing laboratory. This process minimizes the possibility of sample forgery or sample substitution as the hair sample is obtained in full view of the collector. With LabCorp’s extensive network, you can access LabCorp’s collection sites easily.
Hair Follicle Drug Testing Process
Hair follicle drug testing offers a period of up to 90 days to detect drug use. The sample collection process is easy and can be done almost anywhere. So, what about the hair follicle drug testing process? LabCorp offers an initial screening test done by immunoassay with confirmation of a presumptive positive screen by mass spectrometry. Usually, once the specimen is received at the laboratory, results for specimens showing negative screening results for all drugs are available within 48 to 72 hours. And, typically, results for presumptive positive screen confirmation testing are available within an additional 72 hours.
Drugs Detected by Hair Follicle Testing
Here are some of the drugs detected by hair follicle test:
-
- Amphetamine/methamphetamine/ecstasy
- Marijuana metabolite
- Cocaine and metabolites
- Opiates (codeine, morphine, 6-acetylmorphine)
- Oxycodone (oxymorphone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Propoxyphene
How Much is a Hair Follicle Test at LabCorp?
The cost of a hair follicle test at LabCorp depends on the package you choose. Here is a list of the costs:
| Test Package | Drugs Detected | Cost |
| 5 Panel Hair Follicle |
|
$119.00 |
| 5 Panel Hair Follicle with Expanded Opiates |
|
$139.00 |
| 7 Panel Hair Follicle |
|
$149.00 |
| 9 Panel Hair Follicle |
|
$165.00 |
| 12 Panel Hair Follicle |
|
$329.00 |
| 14 Panel Hair Follicle |
|
$385.00 |
| Benzodiazepines (Xanax/Valium) Hair Drug Test | Benzodiazepines (Valium and Xanax. | $185.00 |
| Fentanyl Hair Drug Test | Fentanyl | $165.00 |
| Ketamine (Special K) Hair Drug test | Ketamine | $185.00 |
| Methadone Hair Drug Test | Methadone | $185.00 |
| Propofol (Diprivan) Hair Drug Test | Propofol or Diprivan | $405.00 |
LabCorp Connectivity Solutions
To meet the needs of each client, LabCorp offers a variety of connectivity solutions, from automated faxing to Web-based applications. In addition to helping simplify the results reporting process, the connectivity solutions LabCorp offers also help provide an efficient method for specimen status inquiries. With the Web-based reporting and specimen status inquiry options that LabCorp offers, you can securely access information from any computer with Internet access. In addition, for organizations that require electronic import of data into their proprietary systems, LabCorp also offers EDI (Electronic Data Interface) capabilities for efficient reporting of results.
Hair Follicle Drug Testing FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions related to hair follicle drug testing at LabCorp:
- What is hair drug testing?
Hair drug testing detects drugs which are embedded in the hair. Drug and drug metabolites are incorporated into the hair matrix from the bloodstream following drug use.
- How much hair is needed for a hair drug test?
For a hair drug test with initial screen and confirmation, it requires a 100 milligrams sample of hair (90 to 120 strands).
- What time of period does a hair drug test cover?
Need to note that the hair growth rates can vary. Usually, the head hair grows at an average of one-half inch per month. Therefore, a 1.5-inch hair sample can detect drug use up to 90 days before testing.
- How does the drug detection window for hair compare to oral fluid and urine?
Drug detection times can vary depending on the dose, duration of use (acute or chronic), sensitivity of the testing method used, the matrix which is analyzed, preparation and route of administration, the metabolite which is looked for, the pH and concentration of the matrix and variations in metabolic and renal clearance. Typically, the drug detection time is longest in hair, followed by urine and oral fluid. Drugs in hair can be detected about 90 days, while drugs in urine can be detected around one to seven days or longer, then drugs in oral fluid can be detected approximately between five to 48 hours.
- How soon after use can a drug be detected in hair?
From the time of drug use, drug and metabolite can be detected about 7 to 10 days. This is the time in which the affected hair grows from the follicle to appear above the scalp.
- How quickly can the drug be detected in the hair after use?
After use, the earliest the drug and its metabolites can be detected is around 7 to 10 days. This is the time during which the affected hair grows from the follicle to emerge above the scalp.
- How can hair drug tests be run on people with little hair?
For people with little hair, their sample hair can be collected from some head locations and combined to get the required amount of hair. Then, if no head hair is collectable, it is suggested to use oral fluid or urine testing for detecting drug use.
- Can hair samples collected from a brush be used?
No, a hair sample must be collected by using proper chain-of-custody protocol and collection techniques. The test subject needs to verify the authenticity of the sample at the time of collection.
- What are the differences between hair testing cut-off levels and urine testing cut-off levels when testing for drugs?
Hair testing cut-off levels are expressed in pg/mg (picograms per milligram), while urine cut-off levels are expressed in ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter).
- How does the laboratory address external exposure to certain drugs, like marijuana or cocaine?
Washing the hair sample can remove several of the contamination. However, external exposure may be differentiated from actual use due to the presence of drug metabolites.
