Introduction
Hair drug testing has been around for many years. A hair test will register drugs that have been consumed in the past 90 days. Hair drug tests are more accurate than urine tests, and can't be manipulated by cleansing products.
How Hair Testing Works
Once consumed, drugs are trapped within hair follicles. Only 40 mg of hair is needed to test for several different types of drugs. A chemical is applied to the hair to test for metabolites. The strength of the metabolites determines how long it has been since the drugs were consumed. Typically, a hair drug test can determine if drugs have been used in a 90 day period, but that number can go down based on the hair's growth cycle. For a more accurate test, cut the hair as close to the root as possible. Body hair can also be tested for drugs.
Detecting Drugs
Most major drugs can be detected using the hair method. Street drugs like opiates, cocaine, PCP, methamphetamines, ecstasy and marijuana are most commonly detected. Drugs like opiates, cocaine, PCP and methamphetamine travel out of the urine and blood within days--which is why hair testing is preferred.
Prescription drugs are difficult to test for. Some prescription drugs are detected in hair drug tests as either cocaine (narcotics), opiates or methamphetamine.
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