How Far Back Do Hair Follicle Drug Tests Detect?
Hair follicle drug tests are an effective and reliable method of detecting drug use over an extended period. Unlike urine or saliva tests, which can only detect recent drug use, hair follicle tests can detect drug use dating back months or even years. The detection window for hair follicle drug tests varies depending on the specific drug being tested and the length of the hair sample collected. However, in general, hair follicle drug tests can detect drug use for the following periods:
**Amphetamines:** up to 90 days
**Barbiturates:** up to 90 days
**Benzodiazepines:** up to 90 days
**Cocaine:** up to 90 days
**Marijuana:** up to 90 days
**Methamphetamine:** up to 90 days
**Opiates:** up to 90 days
**PCP:** up to 90 days
Factors Affecting the Detection Window
Several factors can affect the detection window for hair follicle drug tests, including:
**Hair growth rate:** The rate at which hair grows affects the detection window. Faster-growing hair will have a shorter detection window than slower-growing hair.
**Bleaching or dyeing hair:** Bleaching or dyeing hair can damage the hair shaft, making it more difficult to detect drugs.
**Hair length:** The length of the hair sample collected affects the detection window. Longer hair samples will have a longer detection window than shorter hair samples.
How Hair Follicle Drug Tests Work
Hair follicle drug tests work by analyzing the hair shaft for the presence of drug metabolites. Drug metabolites are the byproducts of drug metabolism, which occurs when the body breaks down drugs. Drug metabolites are incorporated into the hair shaft as it grows, providing a permanent record of drug use.
When a hair follicle drug test is performed, a hair sample is collected and analyzed using a variety of techniques, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). These techniques can identify and quantify the presence of drug metabolites in the hair sample.
Tips for Passing a Hair Follicle Drug Test
If you are concerned about passing a hair follicle drug test, there are several things you can do to increase your chances of success. These include:
**Abstaining from drug use:** The most effective way to pass a hair follicle drug test is to abstain from drug use for at least 90 days before the test. This will give your body time to metabolize and eliminate the drugs from your system.
**Using a detox shampoo:** There are a number of detox shampoos on the market that claim to remove drug metabolites from the hair shaft. However, the effectiveness of these shampoos is questionable.
**Bleaching or dyeing your hair:** Bleaching or dyeing your hair can damage the hair shaft, making it more difficult to detect drugs. However, this is a temporary solution, and the drugs will still be present in your hair if you continue to use them.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Q: How long does it take to get the results of a hair follicle drug test?**
**A:** The results of a hair follicle drug test typically take 3-5 business days to be processed.
**Q: Can hair follicle drug tests be used to detect all drugs?**
**A:** Hair follicle drug tests can detect most commonly abused drugs, including amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, opiates, and PCP.
**Q: Can I pass a hair follicle drug test if I have been using drugs?**
**A:** It is possible to pass a hair follicle drug test if you have been using drugs, but it depends on several factors, including the type of drug, the frequency of use, and the length of time since you last used drugs.
Conclusion
Hair follicle drug tests are an effective and reliable method of detecting drug use over an extended period. The detection window for hair follicle drug tests varies depending on the specific drug being tested and the length of the hair sample collected. However, in general, hair follicle drug tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days. If you are concerned about passing a hair follicle drug test, there are several things you can do to increase your chances of success, including abstaining from drug use, using a detox shampoo, and bleaching or dyeing your hair.
Are you interested in learning more about hair follicle drug tests? We encourage you to do your research and consult with a medical professional if you have any questions or concerns.
