Drug tests are common but they usually involve obtaining a urine sample from a person. However, hair follicle test is also an option, and chances are you’ve come across this term or heard something about it. What is the hair follicle test and how it works? Read on to learn more.
What is the hair follicle test?
The hair follicle test is primarily used to determine patterns of illicit drug use or misuse of prescription medications over a certain period of time. This drug test serves to detect drug use in the last 90 days i.e. three months.
It’s always useful to read about hair follicle drug test in order to learn as much as you can and do the necessary steps to pass it.
You’re probably wondering now how is drug detected in hair follicles in the first place.
When a person uses drugs the substance is absorbed into the bloodstream. Each hair follicle has a blood vessel through which it feeds the hair growth cells, the drug travels to the bloodstream and reaches the follicles.
What does a hair follicle test detect?
Hair follicle drug test detects the presence of the following substances:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opiates such as morphine, codeine, and heroin
- Amphetamines including MDEA (eve), methamphetamine, and MDMA (ecstasy)
- PCP (phencyclidine)
How is the hair follicle test performed?
You can take hair follicle drug tests at the home, workplace, or in a healthcare setting. The process is straightforward and involves removing a small hair sample close to the scalp. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Back in time, you would have to go to a clinic to get this test done, but nowadays there are at-home kits that allow you to do it yourself. All you need to do is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to obtain the sample and then send it to a specified address.
If you’re wondering how to pass this test you’ll be happy to know there are many products that allow you to do so. For example, Macujo Method steps are easy and help you avoid all the test-related concerns.
Understanding the results
The negative result of the hair follicle test is determined within 24 hours and indicates a person hasn’t consumed drugs in the last three months. A positive result is determined within 72 hours and shows there is a drug in the system and what type of substance that is. The results labeled as inconclusive mean the same was contaminated or something went wrong during testing and a new sample should be provided.
It’s natural to worry about the results, but there’s a lot you can do to pass the test. For instance, you can read the article on how to pass a hair follicle test and follow all the steps to outsmart it.
What is the difference between the hair follicle and urine test?
The main difference between hair follicle test and urine drug test is the window of detection. While the hair follicle test determines the substance use within the last three months, the timeframe in urine test is much smaller – usually the last three days.
What if I’m bald?
If you don’t have hair on your head then the sample can be obtained from armpit or face. The length of the hair must be about 0.5 to 1.5 inches long. People with shorter hair may need to produce more hair for the sample.
Bottom line
A hair follicle test is used to detect the presence of different substances in the body within the last 90 days. It is accurate, precise, simple, and can be performed at home setting too.
