![]() ![]() ![]() At Quest Diagnostics, we follow the same standardized processes for collections whether you visit a Patient Service Center (PSC) in our nationwide network or have an on-site event performed at your place of business. Quality control standards can vary depending on where you get your drug specimen collected. Moreover, much like oral fluid, the risk of cheating is minimized because every hair testing collection is directly observed.ĭo all drug testing collection sites follow the same standards? Commonly used hair products (shampoos, conditioners, sprays, mousses, gels, etc.) are typically removed during our wash procedures and have no significant effect on drug testing results. Hair Testing: We have not found any adulterants that can beat a hair drug test at this time. The donor’s mouth must be empty (no food, gum, liquids, tobacco, etc.) for at least ten minutes prior to beginning the collection, which thwarts most attempts to switch samples or otherwise adulterate the oral fluid sample.Īdditionally, a specimen validity test (SVT) for Albumin is performed on every oral fluid specimen sent to Quest Diagnostics for testing. Oral Fluid Testing : Because oral fluid collections take place in the presence of the test administrator, they are nearly impossible to successfully. Let’s look at each testing method individually. Each drug test has unique benefits and can allow your company to maximize its drug testing program’s effectiveness.Ĭan an oral fluid or hair drug test be beaten/adulterated?ĭonor cheating is a common concern among employers who drug test. For example, a transportation company may perform hair testing in addition to their federally mandated urine testing. Many companies use different drug test technologies for different testing reasons. Yes, you can mix testing methods but check your state laws. We answered several questions during our informational webinar last week, but here are a few commonly asked questions from our audience.Ĭan I use more than one drug test method for my company’s drug testing program? As Bill Current said in our webinar, “Why you test determines how you test.” Urine testing is still the most common method, but alternative testing technologies are growing in popularity. Read our Hair Testing FAQs for more frequently asked questions about hair testing.įor more information about drug testing, visit our website or contact us online.Determining the most effective drug testing method can be challenging with all of the viable drug screening options available. Hair testing is the only drug testing method available that provides up to a 90-day drug use history. This method of specimen collection has become increasingly popular as employers rely on hair testing as an effective way to evaluate long-term patterns of abuse. The collector will always note the source of the hair sample on the envelope, which will aid in a more accurate interpretation of the final hair drug test result. However, head hair and body hair cannot be mixed. ![]() In the event that hair is not present in large quantities anywhere on body, a collector may combine hair from different locations on the body or hair from different areas of the scalp to complete a single sample. Body hair is usually lighter in weight therefore much more hair is needed to gather an adequate sample for a drug screen. In order of preference, our collectors will cut the chest, underarm, leg, or facial hair to obtain a sample. ![]() If the donor does not have head hair or if their hair is less than a ½ inch long, a specimen can be taken from other locations on the body. If the cut hair is placed side by side, the amount equals approximately ½ inch of hair. If the individual visits a Quest Diagnostics collection site, a professional collector is trained to cut only the small amount of hair needed for our laboratory to perform the test. Typically, hair is cut from the crown at the back of the head in a way where it will not be noticeable. They wonder how much hair is needed, what part of the head is the hair is cut from, whether color, bleach, shampoos, or salon treatments may interfere with test result s, and how a hair collection is performed on someone who is lacking hair or is bald. We get many questions from both individuals scheduled for a drug screen and employers in anticipation of a hair drug test. ![]()
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