Hair Follicle Drug Testing

Drug testing has become a common practice in many workplaces across the United States. While there are several types of drug tests, hair follicle drug testing has become increasingly popular due to its high level of accuracy and ability to detect drug use over a longer period of time than other testing methods. In this article, we will explore what hair follicle drug testing is, how it works, and what you need to know if you are facing a hair follicle drug test.

What is Hair Follicle Drug Testing?

Hair follicle drug testing is a type of drug test that analyzes a small sample of hair to detect the presence of drugs in the body. This type of test can detect drug use over a longer period of time than other types of drug tests, making it a popular choice for employers and other organizations. A standard hair drug test detects drug metabloites in the hair for an approximate 90 day lookback period.

How Does Hair Follicle Drug Testing Work?

Hair follicle drug testing works by analyzing a small sample of hair for the presence of drug metabolites. These metabolites are produced by the body when it processes drugs, and they remain in the hair for an extended period of time.

During a hair follicle drug test, a small sample of hair (approx 1.5 inches in length) is collected from the individual being tested. This hair is typically collected from the crown of the head closest to the scalp, but it can also be collected from other parts of the body if necessary. The hair is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

At the laboratory, the hair sample is washed to remove any external contaminants. The hair is then cut into small segments and analyzed for the presence of drug metabolites. If drug metabolites are detected, the test is considered positive.

What Drugs Can Be Detected with Hair Follicle Drug Testing?

Hair follicle drug testing can detect a wide range of drugs, including:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Opiates (such as heroin and morphine)
• Amphetamines (such as methamphetamine and ecstasy)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

Hair follicle drug testing can also detect the use of prescription drugs, such as opioids and benzodiazepines, as well as over-the-counter drugs, such as cough medicine. The most common hair drug testing panels are 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14 and 17 panel hair drug tests.

How Far Back Can Hair Follicle Drug Testing Detect Drug Use?

One of the advantages of hair follicle drug testing is that it can detect drug use over a longer period of time than other types of drug tests. While urine and blood tests can only detect drug use for a few days to a week after use, hair follicle drug testing can detect drug use for up to 90 days after use.

However, it is important to note that the length of time that drugs can be detected in hair depends on several factors, including the individual's hair growth rate, the length of the hair sample collected, and the amount and frequency of drug use. In general, drugs are more likely to be detected in hair that is longer than 1.5 inches.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Hair Follicle Drug Testing?

Like any drug testing method, hair follicle drug testing has its pros and cons. Some of the advantages of hair follicle drug testing include:

• High level of accuracy: Hair follicle drug testing is one of the most accurate types of drug tests available, with a reported accuracy rate of 99 percent.
• Long detection window: Hair follicle drug testing can detect drug use over a longer period of time than other types of drug tests, making it a popular choice for employers and other organizations.
• Difficult to cheat: Hair follicle drug testing is more difficult to cheat than other types of drug tests, such as urine tests, since it can detect drug use over a longer period of time and is not affected by drinking large amounts of water.

However, there are also some disadvantages to hair follicle drug testing, including:

• Cost: Hair follicle drug testing is more expensive than other types of drug tests, such as urine tests or saliva tests.
• Invasive: Collecting a hair sample can be more invasive than other types of drug tests, which can be a concern for some individuals.
• Limited detection of recent drug use: While hair follicle drug testing can detect drug use over a longer period of time, it may not be as effective in detecting recent drug use. For example, if an individual used drugs only a few days before the test, it may not show up in a hair follicle drug test.

Overall, hair follicle drug testing can be a useful tool for detecting drug use in a variety of settings. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of this type of testing and consider other factors, such as cost and invasiveness, when deciding whether to use it.

What Should You Know if You are Facing a Hair Follicle Drug Test?

If you are facing a hair follicle drug test, there are several things you should keep in mind to ensure that you are prepared:

• Understand what drugs can be detected: Hair follicle drug testing can detect a wide range of drugs, so it is important to know what drugs you may have used and how long they can be detected in your hair.
• Know your rights: Depending on where you live and your specific situation, you may have certain rights when it comes to drug testing. For example, some states have laws that require employers to provide notice before drug testing employees.
• Be prepared for the collection process: Collecting a hair sample for drug testing can be more invasive than other types of drug tests. You may want to prepare yourself mentally for the process and ask any questions you have before the test begins.
• Consider getting legal advice: If you have concerns about a hair follicle drug test, you may want to consider speaking with a lawyer who can help you understand your rights and provide guidance on how to proceed.

Conclusion

Hair follicle drug testing can be a useful tool for detecting drug use in a variety of settings, from workplaces to drug treatment programs. This type of testing has a high level of accuracy and can detect drug use over a longer period of time than other types of drug tests. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of hair follicle drug testing and consider other factors, such as cost and invasiveness, when deciding whether to use it. If you are facing a hair follicle drug test, it is important to understand what drugs can be detected, know your rights, and be prepared for the collection process.

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