12 Panel Drug Test (Drugs of Abuse Testing), Hair

About the 12 Panel Drug Test

This 12-panel Drugs of Abuse testing is used to check for the presence of drug abuse through a follicle hair sample. The testing is performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).This test covers more prescription drugs that are often abused, in addition to the most popular illicit drugs. Illicit drugs, also known as street drugs or simply illegal drugs, are almost never prescribed.

Drugs Tested In This Panel

1. Marijuana (THC)
2. Cocaine
3. Amphetamines
4. Opiates (Morphine/Oxycodone/Heroin)
5. Phencyclidine (PCP)
6. Barbiturates
7. Benzodiazepines
8. Methadone
9. Propoxyphene
10. Tramadol
11. Meperidine (Demerol)
12. Oxycodone (OxyContin) 

How Hair Drug Testing Works

Whenever a drug is taken, the body breaks it down and releases byproducts known as metabolites. The process of metabolizing a drug is highly predictable; everyone metabolizes drugs at about the same rate, so the presence of these metabolites in hair is a reliable indication that the tester has recently taken the drug.

Drug Detection Window

Drug metabolites in hair are detectable for approximately 90 days, whereas drug metabolites in urine are generally detectable for only 1 to 7 days; making hair Drugs of Abuse testing a more reliable option for chronological insight into the last 3 months of someone’s possible drug history. *These tests cannot pinpoint the exact date of drug use/abuse because hair growth rates can vary widely among different people.

How To Prepare And What To Expect

Those who are taking this test must bring an official ID card.

When at your selected lab, a lab technician will simply obtain a 100-milligram sample of hair (90 to 120 strands) cut right at the scalp. They will then secure the sample in a foil bag and prepare it for transport to the facility responsible for performing the test.

Should a tester lack hair on their head, samples may be taken from the armpits, legs, or face; as long as the hair strands are at least between half an inch to an inch and a half (0.5 - 1.5) long. *People who shave their entire bodies may not be able to provide a suitable sample of hair.

More About The Drugs Tested In This Panel

Amphetamines - Amphetamines are a highly potent and addictive class of drug that stimulates the central nervous system, giving them the term “Uppers”. They are sometimes prescribed to treat Parkinson’s Disease, ADHD, and narcolepsy.

Barbiturates - Somewhat similar to amphetamines, barbiturates are also powerful drugs that affect the central nervous system. Unlike amphetamines though, barbiturates are considered “downers” due to their sedative properties.

Benzodiazepines - Likely best known today for drugs like Valium and Xanax, benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs that are considered to be a type of tranquilizer. Abuse can cause a physical dependence.

Cocaine - Also known as coke or crack, cocaine is an addictive stimulant drug that is derived from the coca plant. 

Marijuana (THC) - Marijuana, or more well known as “pot” or “weed”, is the most commonly used illicit drug. The drug contains a cannabinoid known as THC, which is the main compound responsible for the psychoactive effects, and what is tested for in this panel.

Opiates (Morphine/Oxycodone/Heroin) - Opiates are derived from the poppy plant. They are used for recreational and medicinal purposes. Some well known opiates are legal such morphine, and some are illegal such as heroin. 

Phencyclidine (PCP) - Phencyclidine (PCP) is a dissociative drug that can cause hallucinations, detachment from surroundings, and sensual distortion. Also known as “Angel dust,” PCP is considered to be one of the most dangerous illicit drugs due to the state it puts the user in, its deadly complications with other depressants, and the sense of invulnerability it provides.

Methadone - Methadone is a type of prescription opioid that may be used in treatment for addictions to heroin, opioids, or narcotic painkillers. The purpose is typically to ease the symptoms of withdrawal while not providing the “high” associated with drug use. Being an opioid, it is a powerful painkiller that is prone to tolerance increases and physical dependence.

Propoxyphene - As a type of narcotic pain reliever, propoxyphene is a prescription drug that can be deadly if not taken as prescribed or if mixed with other depressants like alcohol. Fatalities from overdosage are not uncommon, and the drug is considered to be dangerous to those who have a history of suicidal thoughts or attempts.

Tramadol - As a controlled substance, Tramadol is a narcotic medication commonly used to treat moderate-to-severe pain, such as pain felt after an operation or serious injury. Since it was designed to block pain signals from reaching the brain, it is also used to treat long-standing pain from conditions such as osteoarthritis. 

Meperidine (Demerol) - As a controlled narcotic medication, Meperidine is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain, similar to morphine. It is only prescribed as treatment for acute episodes of moderate-to-severe pain, such as pain experienced after a serious injury or operation. It is not used to treat long-term chronic pain.

Oxycodone - As a controlled substance, Oxycodone, also known as “oxy” is a prescription pain reliever used to treat severe pain, such as pain from cancer and other chronic-pain related conditions. Due to its slow-release system, it has a high probability for overdose if chewed, sucked, crushed, or injected.

Explaining The Results

It will take between 24 - 72 business hours after the date of collection, for results to come back from analysis. If a drug has tested positive, it can take an additional 2-4 days for confirmation. 

This test will provide either a positive, negative, or inconclusive/invalid result.

• A positive result means that one or more of the drugs tested in this panel were detected in the hair sample provided at the lab.
• A negative result means that the drugs tested in this panel were either not found in high enough concentrations to be considered a positive result, or were not detected at all.
• An Inconclusive/Invalid result means the testing was unable to identify or quantify an adequate concentration of drug metabolites in the sample; simply put, the drug test results are unclear and the tester needs to visit the lab again for a recollection. *This type of result for hair Drugs of Abuse testing is rare