So, your employer or future boss has finally asked you to get a hair test. You have heard all kind of rumors about test pass detox shampoo and what follicle drug test can detect and how accurate it is.
But what is true? And what is false? For a moment, forget about the rumors you have heard and let’s clear the rumors and the myths. Here are a few of the frequently asked questions about hair testing.
What is hair drug test?
This is a medical procedure used to determine the concentration of illicit drug metabolites in a person’s body using the hair strands as a specimen. During this test, the sample is chemically analyzed in private laboratories to identify traces of illegal drug metabolites.
How does this test work?
First, it is essential to understand that for hair to grow blood must be transported to the hair follicle which has numerous blood vessels that feed the hair growth cells with oxygen and nutrition needed for hair growth.
When you consume marijuana, the level of THC in your blood will increase. The THC will be spread to all your body parts, including the hair cells through the bloodstream.
This method works by chemically analyzing the ingrown cells of the hair shaft to determine traces of the drug molecule.
Once the chemical analysis is completed, the THC level results are compared against the test’s standard threshold of 50ng/ml.
How do I understand my result?
A negative result is indicated when the lab results are below the standard test threshold of 50ng/ml. Meaning if your results record any figure below 50ng/ml maybe 30ng/ml or 45ng/ml your hair sample test is considered a negative result. A negative result indicates you haven’t engaged in illegal drug use for the past three months.
Whereas a positive result is indicated when your hair sample results are above the test’s standard threshold of 50ng/ml.
Meaning if hair sample results record any figure above 50ng/ml maybe 51ng/ml or 67ng/ml your results are considered positive. All positive results are cross-checked with a second test called the gas chromatography or mass spectrometry.
Can you dodge it?
Hair and drug test can only be cheated by using a hair detox shampoo. There are several detox shampoos to choose from, but first, you should consider your hair type before purchasing one.
To learn more on how you can use homemade detox shampoo follows the link below
https://www.indiatimes.com/health/healthyliving/homemade-hair-detox-242069.html
How long does the process take for the results to be out?
It takes at least two working days to receive a negative test result while it takes at least three days to receive a positive result. The processing time varies because, for every positive result, a second confirmation test must be carried to determine the validly of the results. The second confirmation takes at least a day to record results.
Which drugs can be detected using this technique?
The method can be used to detect the presence of a variety of commonly abused drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, Methadone, Amphetamines, PCP, Barbiturates, and alcohol among other things. With the recent technological advancement, you can now use this technique to detect even more drugs.
How long will it take for my hair to absorb the drug substance?
Probably 5 – 7 days. This allows for the growth of hair from the scalp’s root. The oxygen and food required for the hair to grow is provided by the blood. This blood will also be containing traces of THC. This is usually deposited in the follicle thus remaining in the hair through the growth period.
Can you still test positive even if you quit a month back?
The test is capable of detecting drug and substance abuse during the last ninety days. Any day beyond the ninety days, the test might not be quite effective to a certain degree.
Can dyed or colored hair affect the test results?
Dyed or colored hair does not have any kind of influence on the hair test.
To know more about your hair type click here.
What are the disadvantages of the follicle drug test?
Although the positive sides of this testing method outweigh its negative side, it isn’t nearly as popular as blood and urine drug test. This can be attributed to the following reasons:
- It takes a longer time to get the results
- The hair sample cannot be used to detect recent drug use
- It is more expensive than the other test method
