Hair drug test is a technical analysis of hair, to identify and determine the presence or absence of...

1. Hair Drug Testing Facts
Hair drug test is a technical analysis of
hair, to identify and determine the
presence or absence of specific parent
drugs or metabolites thereof. This kind of
drug test is generally performed to detect
the use of performance-enhancing drugs
and steroids by athletes and sports-
persons as well as to detect the consumption of illegal drugs such as Cocaine, Cannabis, Heroin,
Opium, etc. Nowadays, random drug testing in the workplace is conducted quite often to expose
employees who are inconspicuous drug abusers and enroll them in drug rehab programs. The
following discussion is sure to open up a world of astounding information relating to drug abuse and
how a hair sample can betray the same!
Before jumping directly to the said facts, let us, first, take a brief glance at what exactly hair follicle
drug test is. In a hair follicle drug test, a small sample of hair, either from the head or any other part
of the body (excluding pubic regions), are examined to identify specific drugs used by the subject
over a period of time. The test measures the drug molecules and their specific metabolites, trace
amounts of which are found in the hair follicles. Let us see how the drug metabolites get deposited
in the hair follicles. After a substance reaches the human digestive system, it undergoes all the
metabolic processes and releases nutrients and/or by-products (metabolites in case of drugs) that
are carried by the blood to different parts of the body. As the blood circulates to all body parts,
including hair, it deposits these metabolites in hair follicles which find their way to individual hair
strands, thereby, making their presence conspicuous. Now, let us get to the facts about hair follicle
drug testing.
Some Hair Drug Testing Facts
Hair Drug Test Accuracy: Hair follicle drug test information is found to be far more accurate than
urine sample analysis when testing for presence of drugs such as cocaine, PCP, opiates and
methamphetamine and is considered more effective for detecting low level drug use over a long
period of time as compared to urine and saliva tests. This is because, the drug metabolites are
flushed out of the blood stream every three to seven days whereas they can remain trapped in hair
follicles for years! Detecting low level use of marijuana through hair follicle test is comparatively
less sensitive than detecting cocaine and opiates but is considered equally, if not more, effective as
urine test.
Hair Drug Test Cost: One of the most encouraging facts is that it costs lesser than most other
conventional drug test methods. Besides, it is also the least invasive method and allows for testing of
a large number of potentially interacting toxic or narcotic elements at one time.
Drugs Detected: The drugs that are detected by this test include Cocaine, Benzoylecgonine,
Marijuana, Opiates (such as Codeine, Morphine and Heroin), Methamphetamine, Amphetamine,
Ecstasy, Phencyclidine, etc.

2. Measurable Amount: Another among interesting facts is the minimum level of metabolites that need
to be present in hair follicles to be detected for screening and confirmation. The table below gives
you an idea:-
Drug
Minimum Qty Required For Detection
Cocaine
100 pg/mg
Opiates
100 pg/mg
Phencyclidine
100 pg/mg
Ecstasy
100 pg/mg
Amphetamines
100 pg/mg
Marijuana
0.10 pg/mg
Methamphetamines
100 pg/mg
Quantity of Hair Sample: Approximately 50-80 hair strands at least 2 inches long, i.e. around 45 mg
of sample is required for this test. The quantity required may vary slightly depending upon the
thickness, color and texture of hair. Also, hair collected from comb and brush cannot be used, and
sample is always taken live from the subject by cutting hair strands from as close to the scalp as
possible.
Time Period of Test: The time period covered by these tests is approximately 90 days but may vary,
depending upon individual hair growth rate. The sample hair is cut very close to the scalp and the
latest 2 inches of growth are examined.
Hair Treatment, Color and Test Results: If you think you can get away and pass the drug test by use
of hair coloring products to mask the presence of narcotic metabolites, you couldn't be further from
the truth! Chemical treatment and hair color, whether natural or artificial, has no role in testing for
drugs using hair samples. In fact, chemical treatments such as washing of hair is helpful in removing
external contaminants and gives clarity to test results! Bleaching and coloring can only affect test

3. results significantly, if the protein matrix of the hair is damaged to the point of inducing breakage!
Ever imagined that something as simple as a few strands of hair can betray something as serious as
drug abuse? Well, you have the hair drug testing facts right here! You may pass a urine drug test if
you are a very low level abuser but your hair preserves the history of your substance abuse for
years! Almost all US states have many local drug testing centers that offer hair follicle drug testing
facilities. You can also take advantage of home drug testing kits, most of which can be ordered
online. All said and done, the bottom line is that if not for health, at least for your reputation's sake,
stay away from abusing drugs and illegal substances. In case of a random test, your own hair would
testify against you!