Hair Testing

Hair testing is a process in which hair specimens are analyzed for the use of illicit drugs.  Omega Laboratories uses detection levels and confirmation methods that follow government recommendations.

While some laboratories may take over a week to report a confirmed positive, Omega consistently achieves the same results in three business days. Omega’s turnaround time is based on laboratory-proven proprietary testing methods, which are part of the intellectual property that is unique to Omega. This intellectual property includes a proprietary specimen wash method, which has been approved by multiple accrediting agencies as an effective means for removing external contamination. Unlike other longer washes, Omega’s proprietary wash method does not inadvertently remove metabolites, which can lead to false negatives. Omega Laboratories is one of only three hair testing laboratories in the world to have obtained FDA 510(k) clearances

When compared to other forms of testing, hair samples can detect a much longer period of drug use.  For example, urinalysis can only detect most drugs within 2-3 days of use. After this period, a donor will be free of the drug, test negative and slip through the screening process.  By comparison, the industry standard is to test 1.5 inches of head hair for approximately 90 days of history.  This is important in pre-employment testing where most candidates are aware that a drug test might be required and can otherwise abstain accordingly.