Hair samples can be used to conduct drug and alcohol testing. Hair can provide a prompt window into a person's drug history by containing biomarkers that identify specific medications and chemicals. Usually, 1.5 inches long, a hair sample is taken as close to the scalp as possible. These tests can find abuse that occurred 90 to 180 days ago. They also benefit from being simple to gather and challenging to forge.
The same drugs and chemicals found in urine can also be found in a hair drug test. A negative hair test usually takes two to three days to process, whereas a positive hair test can take up to a week to confirm its findings. In addition, a hair sample may occasionally be contaminated, producing a false-positive test result.
Depending on the drug found, hair drug testing can take a while to process results. For example, certain medications might linger in hair for five to seven days. Medications might also stay in the hair for up to 90 days. So a hair drug test is not the most excellent choice if you think someone has been using drugs for a while.
Drug molecules in hair can be found using the ELISA technique in hair drug tests. These tests find parent substances as well as their metabolites. They are helpful for lengthy lookback times as well. The turnaround time for drug testing on hair varies from lab to lab. However, the results can be ready in one to five business days for those with a deadline.
Drugs of all kinds, including illicit drugs, can be found in hair samples. A seven-panel test can identify seven medications. Cannabis, methamphetamines, amphetamines, cocaine, and opiates are a few of these. Oxycontin and Percocet can be found using a 12-panel test.
Body hair drug testing is another option. However, body hair differs from head hair. Thus, the results need to be more accurate and comprehensive. Any hair color, including those created by chemical treatments, is eligible for hair drug testing. Hair must be at least 1.5 inches long and 1.5 inches thick to be tested for drugs using hair.
Hair drug tests are frequently used in the workplace and are often the approach both individuals and employers prefer for hiring purposes. A failed hair drug test may indicate recent or ongoing drug usage. A confirmatory test procedure must be used if a negative result is discovered.
Hair drug testing is reliable and economical. The test can show if someone is using alcohol or illegal drugs. To keep an eye on drug use, courts and school systems also utilize them. For almost 30 years, Psychemedics has been testing for drugs in hair. They have a solid track record and are widely employed by businesses and educational institutions.
It is easy to gather hair samples. A hair sample sack, collection foil, and a clear plastic travel bag are all included in the collection set. A trained specialist will gather the sample, and the method for collecting hair samples is relatively straightforward. However, before attempting to pick a hair sample for a test, be sure to read the instructions thoroughly.
A hair follicle drug test can detect both legal and illicit drugs. The test requires 200 hair strands as the sample. It finds drugs and their metabolites inside the hair follicle. Hair drug testing offers a longer detection time than urine tests do. This approach of checking for illicit drug usage and alcohol abuse is incredibly accurate.