What does this test include? 'Hair - 811 - 5DSP/EXP OPI HAIR' What kind of drugs are they testing for? Does it include cotinine too?

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What does this test include? 'Hair - 811 - 5DSP/EXP OPI HAIR' What kind of drugs are they testing for? Does it include cotinine too?

2 Answers

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Answer 1

If this is a 'Hair - 811 - 5DSP/EXP OPI HAIR' drug test for an employer, they can be testing for a range of things or something specific. You're within your rights to ask exactly what they're testing for if you're worried about something.

As cotinine is a product that can form after nicotine enters the body, I'll give you some information on testing for nicotine. Cotinine is considered the best biomarker for nicotine consumption so if they're doing a nicotine test, they'll probably be looking for it.

Employers testing for cotinine & nicotine

Employers can test for nicotine, but as I said before, you're allowed to ask them what they're looking for. The only reason I can think of that they'd be looking for nicotine is if the job prohibits smoking. If that's the case the only real option is to look into a smoking cessation program. This also applies to health insurance tests!

These tests may also be carried out if your doctor suspects a nicotine overdose.

The other components of the 'Hair - 811 - 5DSP/EXP OPI HAIR' will probably be the main drugs of abuse, plus opiates including painkillers.

These are -
• Cocaine
• Marijuana
• Amphetamines
• Methampetamines
• Opiates (Codeine, Morphine and Heroin)
• Phencyclidine
• Ecstacy

You can find a list of 'extended opiates' here:

www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety/Informationbydrugclass/ucm25173

Answer 2

A Hair - 811 - 5DSP/EXP OPI HAIR test can test for cotinine/nicotine, but this seems to depend on what the person ordering the test has requested.

Hair is an unusual way to test for this to be honest. Usually, when looking for cotinine it is more common to for urine, blood or saliva tests to be requested. These are often carried out by employers who have strict no smoking policies, and by life insurance companies.

Drugs generally stay in the hair for longer, so this test is a favourite for employers, etc., when looking for the main drugs and opiates.

It's difficult to guess whether the cotinine test will have been asked for as I don't know under what conditions the test is being carried out (whether for an employer, an insurance company, etc.). I would say, however, that it seems quite unlikely that they would be looking for this substance, and it is more likely they are looking for illicit substances such as methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin.