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Oxycodone Hair Drug Screening (Mass Concentration)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the presence of oxycodone, a potent opioid pain medication, in your hair over a long period. Hair testing can help detect drug use that may not be detected by urine or blood tests.

Quick summary

["Hair drug tests provide a broader picture of recent and past substance use by capturing metabolites in hair follicles."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
26722-9
Short code
oxyCODONE Hair-mCnt
Synonyms
oxyCODONE Hair-mCnt
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What Does This Test Measure?

This test detects oxycodone and its metabolites in your hair. Hair is analyzed to identify traces of the drug that have accumulated over time, typically from the previous 90 days to a year or more, depending on hair length and growth rate.

Why Might You Need This Test?

Hair testing for oxycodone may be used in workplace drug screening, pre-employment assessments, or when other tests (like urine or blood) show inconsistent results. It can also be part of ongoing monitoring for substance use disorders.

How Is the Test Performed?

A small sample of your hair is collected, usually from the back of your head. The hair is processed to analyze the concentration of oxycodone metabolites without specifying exact amounts.

What Are the Results Typically Used For?

Results help determine if oxycodone or its metabolites have been present in your system over an extended period. This can be useful for assessing compliance with treatment plans, evaluating substance use history, or supporting legal or employment-related decisions.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Hair Drug Test for Oxycodone

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get results from this test?
Results are typically available within 2 to 7 business days, depending on the laboratory and processing time.
Can false positives or negatives occur with hair drug tests?
Hair drug tests are generally reliable but can sometimes have false positives due to exposure to environmental contaminants or other substances. False negatives are less common but can occur if the drug was used shortly before testing.
What does a positive result mean?
A positive result indicates that oxycodone or its metabolites were detected in your hair, suggesting recent or past use. However, interpretation should always be done by a healthcare provider or qualified professional based on clinical context and other test results.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy