What Most Say About Hair Follicle Drug Test
December 18th, 2009 | by Adam Schenker |Many insurance companies, law enforcement officers, and hiring companies use a hair follicle drug test to narrow down the possibility of someone using illegal drugs. This type of drug test is very accurate and not only shows the type of drug, but whether it was used in small amounts or regular usage. The test typically shows the drugs that the subject has done in the past 90 days. They can often be purchased for home use and office use.
Testing for drugs in the hair follicles is different from urine or blood tests because small amounts of the drug used, gets trapped within the hair follicle and hair strand. With blood and urine, it can be flushed from the body within a shorter time frame. These drugs are carried through the bloodstream.
The most common drug tests are not as thorough as the hair follicle test because after the drug leaves the body, it does not show on the blood or urine test. This does not allow a very depth insight of what kind of drug and how often the person used them.
Most of the drug tests used by local and federal law enforcements show if the person has been using illegal drugs. Some of them include marijuana and cocaine. Prescription pills will also show up in a drug test. If a prescription is issued by the doctor, there will be a need to show proof. It is better to tell the person that is administering the test and show proof before the test is performed.
When a person does any type of drug, it is carried to the hair follicles by the bloodstream. It then gets trapped in the hair shaft, leaving an imprint that reveals the drug has been used. If the subject being tested for drugs has no hair on their head, it can be taken from any other part of their body. Arm and leg hair is often the best choice if head hair is not used, but it is not limited to just there.
Most illegal drugs show up very easily with the use of the hair test. Some street drugs such as meth do not show up very well in urine and blood tests over a long period of time. Other drugs, such as marijuana will stay in the system for up to 30 days, but it shows up better in urine tests.
The hair test gives proper readings when a few directions are followed. One of the most important things to remember about a hair test is that there needs to be a proper amount taken from the person getting the test. There should be at least 40 milligrams of hair for the sample and it should be at least one and a half inches long. This sample is usually taken from the crown of the head.
Although many companies and law enforcement are the most popular users of hair follicle tests, they can be bought for home use. Many parents decide to test their children to find out what they have been trying, especially if drug use is becoming a problem. This type of test will give accurate results if they it is done right. To find out more about drug tests, do a little research on line or talk to your local drug store.
Worried that you won’t pass a drug test? Why not find out more about detox and how you can pass a hair follicle drug test when it’s given to you. Head online and find out more now!