Have you ever been curious about what your hair can reveal? Hair holds millions of secrets, and one of the ways to reveal them is by taking a hair follicle drug test.
Hair follicle drug tests are increasingly popular. This test offers a comprehensive analysis of substances used and is known for its accuracy. Understanding this test is important whether you’re getting ready for a job interview or just want to know more.
Unlock the mystery behind a hair follicle drug test and uncover what secrets it holds about your past. Keep reading to learn more!
What is a Hair Follicle Drug Test?
A hair follicle drug test is a screening method for detecting the presence of drugs and their metabolites in a person’s hair.
This test is highly effective because hair retains drug traces much longer than urine or blood.
Here are some critical facts about the hair follicle drug test:
- Detection Period: It can detect drug use for up to 90 days, offering a longer window compared to other testing methods.
- Accuracy: Known for its high accuracy, it provides reliable results—they are difficult to tamper with.
- Substances Detected: The test can identify a variety of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, methamphetamine, ecstasy, PCP, and prescription medications like opioids and benzodiazepines.
- Usage: Employers widely use it for pre-employment screening, random drug testing, and post-incident testing.
What Happens during the Test?
A hair follicle drug test is a simple, non-invasive test. It can be conducted in a lab, a hospital, or even in a workplace setting, where hair samples are later sent to the lab.
Here are the steps involved:
- Sample Collection: A small sample of hair, usually about 1.5 inches long and the width of a pencil, is cut from the scalp. If scalp hair isn’t available, body hair can be used instead.
- Preparation: The hair sample is placed in a sealed container and labelled to maintain the chain of custody.
- Lab Analysis: The sample is sent to a laboratory thoroughly washed to remove external contaminants. Specialised techniques are then used to detect drug metabolites within the hair shaft.
- Results: The lab analyses the sample and typically provides results within a few days. A positive result indicates drug use within the past 90 days.
These days, there are even home testing kits available for those who want to do the test by themselves.
What Do the Results Mean?
Understanding the results of a hair follicle drug test is essential for interpreting your substance use history. Here’s a breakdown of what the different outcomes indicate:
Positive
A positive result, confirmed after 72 hours, indicates that drug metabolites were detected in the hair sample, meaning the individual has used drugs, and a second test must be performed to confirm the result before it is given to the patient.
The test can identify specific substances such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, methamphetamine, and other illicit or prescription drugs.
Negative
A negative result, determined within 24 hours of hair removal, means no drug metabolites were found in the hair sample, indicating that the individual has not used the tested substances within the past 90 days.
Negative results are usually favourable for job applicants and employees, as they suggest a drug-free lifestyle.
However, additional testing is recommended to take to confirm the result.
Inconclusive
An inconclusive result occurs when the test cannot definitively determine the presence or absence of drug metabolites.
This can happen due to an insufficient hair sample, contamination, or lab errors. Inconclusive results often require a retest to provide a clear outcome.
How Accurate is the Test?
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their high accuracy, though not 100%.
They can effectively detect drug use within 90 days and are difficult to tamper with. However, this test cannot specifically reveal the exact date when the drug was used.
The test is precise because it detects drug metabolites in the hair shaft that remain even after thorough washing, ensuring the substances are from ingestion, not environmental exposure.
Due to advanced lab techniques and confirmation tests, false positives are uncommon.
While factors like hair colour and cosmetic treatments can sometimes affect results, these instances are rare. Overall, hair follicle drug tests are among the most reliable methods for detecting long-term drug use, making them a preferred choice for employers and various screening needs.
Hair vs. Urine Drug Test
When comparing hair and urine drug tests, several key indicators set them apart, including:
- Detection Window: Hair tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days, offering a long-term view of substance use. On the other hand, urine tests detect recent use, usually within the past few days to a week.
- Accuracy: Hair tests are highly accurate and resistant to tampering since drug metabolites are embedded in the hair shaft. Urine tests are accurate but more susceptible to adulteration or dilution.
- Substances Detected: Both tests can identify a wide range of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs. However, hair tests are better for detecting long-term use.
- Sample Collection: Hair collection is noninvasive and can be done anywhere, while urine collection requires privacy and can be uncomfortable for some.
- Cost and Time: Hair tests are generally more expensive and take longer to process than urine tests, which are quicker and cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of the hair follicle test?
Hair follicle testing offers a 90-day detection window, high accuracy, wide-range detection, and resistance to tampering.
What are the limitations of hair drug testing?
Hair drug testing cannot detect very recent drug use (within the past few days) and may be affected by hair colour and treatments (very rare). It can also be more expensive and time-consuming than other methods.
What if a person has no hair on their head?
If you have little or no head hair, the collector may use body hair for the test instead.
Conclusion
Looking for the right drug test to meet your needs? Keep in mind that a hair follicle drug test is great for detecting drug use over a longer period, while urine tests are better at identifying recent drug use. Whichever test it is, choosing the right drug test depends on personal needs.
For reliable drug testing and comprehensive health check-ups, visit Wells Road Medical Clinic. Our dedicated medical staff puts your well-being first and provides personalised care to meet your needs.
