When it comes to toxicology tests (careful assessments of tissue samples to detect the presence of drugs or alcohol), you might be more familiar with the run-of-the-mill blood or urine tests. Still, did you know that your hairs can be a dead giveaway to addiction or abuse? Also called a “hair drug test,” the hair follicle test is a screening that detects illegal substances or prescription medications in a subject’s body. So, what makes this test particularly significant? While urine tests can only detect drugs that have been taken in the past few days, hair follicle tests detect drugs that have been consumed over the past 90 days. Now, that is a remarkable piece of evidence. Let’s take a closer look at hair follicle drug testing.
How the Follicle Test Is Conducted
Ultimately, an official will order you to take a hair follicle test at a laboratory or a hospital (or, in certain cases, at the workplace setting or via an at-home kit). During the process, you will typically be supervised and will be permitted to wash, dye, or style your hair (as this will not affect the final test results). After providing a confirmation of your identity, a technician will cut and collect 100 to 120 hairs from the crown of your head, typically from different areas to avoid giving you a bald spot. If you are bald or have a shaved head, the technician may opt for body hair.
Considering the Accuracy of These Tests
Overall, the process of testing hair involves a precise set of standards. As part of the process, technicians wash the hair and assess the strands for contaminants that may hamper the test. Afterward, the facility will conduct two separate tests:
- ELSA: delivers a positive or negative result within a 24-hour period
- GC/MS: a more precise method that can detect up to 17 different drugs (can also detect buffers like poppy seeds or hemp seeds)
While accurate on many counts, certain factors can warp the results of a hair follicle test. For example, prescription opioids (used as directed) will blur the final readout of your test. If your results are inaccurate, you can request a second test on the behest of your employer.
Seeking Treatment for Drug Abuse or Addiction
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
