Everything You Should Know About a Hair Strand Drug Test

Drug screenings, particularly in the field of employment and law enforcement, have become increasingly common over the years. A hair strand drug test is one type of drug screening which has gained popularity due to its high levels of accuracy and ability to detect drug use over an extended period.

In this article, we will delve into everything you should know about a hair strand drug test, including what it is, how it works, and what it can detect. We will also address commonly asked questions regarding hair strand drug tests and discuss the implications of testing positive for drug use.

Whether you are an employer, employee, or simply curious about the process of drug screening, this article will provide a thorough overview of hair strand drug tests and their significance in today’s society.

The Basics of a Hair Strand Drug Test

What is a hair strand drug test?

A hair strand drug test is a type of drug test that utilizes a sample of hair to detect the presence of drugs in a person’s system. This type of test can detect drug use over a longer period of time compared to other types of drug tests such as urine testing or saliva testing.

How is a hair strand drug test conducted?

During a hair strand drug test, a small sample of hair is collected from the individual being tested. The sample is typically taken from the back of the head, close to the scalp, and may require several strands of hair to be collected. The collected hair is then sent to a laboratory for analysis, where it is washed and then tested for the presence of drugs.

What drugs can be detected in a hair strand drug test?

A hair strand drug test can detect a wide variety of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, and amphetamines. The test can also detect the use of prescription drugs such as opioids and benzodiazepines.

How far back can a hair strand drug test detect drug use?

A hair strand drug test can detect drug use from several months to a year or more depending on the length of the hair sample and the type of drug being tested for. This makes it a useful tool for monitoring drug use over an extended period of time.

Overall, hair strand drug tests are an effective means of detecting drug use, as they can provide a longer detection window compared to other types of drug tests. They are useful for monitoring drug use over a longer period of time and can detect a wide range of drugs, making them a valuable tool for employers and individuals alike.

How Does a Hair Strand Drug Test Work?

The Process

A hair strand drug test involves taking a sample of hair and testing it for traces of drugs. The sample is usually taken from the head, but it can also be taken from other parts of the body. The hair is then washed to remove any external contaminants before being cut into small pieces.

The small pieces of hair are then subjected to a series of tests to determine the presence of various drugs. These tests can identify a wide range of substances, including marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and opioids.

How Drugs Enter the Hair

Drugs enter the hair through the blood vessels in the scalp. When drugs are ingested, they travel through the bloodstream and eventually reach the hair follicles. The drugs are then incorporated into the hair shaft as it grows.

Because hair grows at a relatively consistent rate, the amount of drugs in a hair sample can provide information about drug use over a period of several months. This makes hair strand drug testing an effective way to track long-term drug use.

The Accuracy of Hair Strand Drug Testing

Hair strand drug testing is considered to be highly accurate. It is able to detect drug use over a longer period of time than other types of drug tests, such as urine or blood tests. However, the accuracy of the test can be affected by a number of factors, including the person’s hair color, the type of drug used, and the amount of drug used.

In some cases, a false positive result may occur. This can happen if the person being tested has been exposed to the drug in question through their environment, such as by being around others who are using drugs. It is important for hair strand drug test results to be carefully interpreted and analyzed by trained professionals.

What Drugs Can Be Detected by a Hair Strand Drug Test?

Commonly Tested Drugs

Hair strand drug tests can detect a variety of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP). These are the most commonly tested drugs as they are commonly abused and have a high risk of addiction.

Other Drugs That Can Be Detected

Aside from the commonly tested drugs, hair strand drug tests can also detect other drugs like benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and propoxyphene. These drugs are not as commonly abused but can still be detected by a hair strand drug test if they have been used within the detection window.

Drugs That Cannot Be Detected

Although hair strand drug tests are highly accurate, there are some drugs that cannot be detected using this method. These drugs include alcohol, inhalants, and some prescription medications. For these drugs, other testing methods may be necessary.

• Alcohol – Breathalyzer or blood test
• Inhalants – Urine or blood test
• Prescription medications – Urine or blood test

Factors That Can Affect the Results of a Hair Strand Drug Test

Length of Hair

The length of hair can affect the results of a hair strand drug test. Drugs take time to travel from the bloodstream to the hair, and the hair closer to the scalp will represent a longer period of time compared to the ends. Typically, a hair sample should be approximately 1.5 inches in length.

Frequency of Drug Use

The frequency and amount of drug use can affect the results of a hair strand drug test. If a person only used drugs once, it may not be detectable in a hair strand drug test as it takes several days for the drug to travel from the bloodstream to the hair. On the other hand, chronic drug users may have drug metabolites present in their hair for several months.

Hair Color and Texture

Hair color and texture can affect the results of a hair strand drug test. Darker hair may retain drug metabolites more than lighter hair. Coarse hair, such as that of an African American person, may absorb more drug metabolites compared to finer hair.

Hair Treatment

Hair treatment can affect the results of a hair strand drug test. Bleaching, perming, and chemical straightening can damage the hair cuticle, which can affect the drug metabolite concentration in the hair. Hair treatments can also strip the hair of drug metabolites, making them undetectable in a hair strand drug test.

Contamination

Contamination can affect the results of a hair strand drug test. External factors such as second-hand smoke, environmental pollution, and topical exposure to drugs can contaminate the hair and produce false-positive results. It is important to avoid these factors when collecting a hair sample for a drug test.

Preparing for a Hair Strand Drug Test

1. Stop Using Drugs

If you know you have a hair strand drug test coming up, the first step is to stop using drugs. Hair follicle tests can detect drug use up to 90 days prior to the test, so it’s important to stop using as soon as possible.

2. Keep Your Hair Clean

It’s important to keep your hair clean leading up to the test, as hair follicle tests require at least 1.5 inches of hair for accurate results. Wash your hair regularly with shampoo and avoid using any hair products that could interfere with the test, such as gels or hair sprays.

3. Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated can help flush any drugs or toxins out of your system and improve the accuracy of the test. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the test to assist with this process.

4. Consult with a Medical Professional

If you have concerns about the potential results of a hair strand drug test, it may be worth consulting with a medical professional. They can provide advice on how to prepare for the test and any potential options for treatment if the results are positive.

5. Be Honest with Your Employer

If you know that you will likely test positive for drugs, it’s important to be honest with your employer. This can lead to more favorable outcomes, such as avoiding legal action or being given the opportunity to seek assistance for drug addiction.

What Happens During a Hair Strand Drug Test?

Step 1: Collecting the Sample

The first step of a hair strand drug test is collecting a sample. The tester will take a sample of hair from the back of your head, near the crown. The hair sample will be at least 1.5 inches long, and the thickness of a pencil lead. If you don’t have enough hair on your head, the tester may use hair from other parts of your body.

Step 2: Preparing the Sample

After collecting the hair sample, the tester will clean it to remove any external contaminants. Then the sample will be cut into small pieces and placed in a container for testing. The container will be sealed and labeled, and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

Step 3: Analyzing the Sample

In the laboratory, the hair sample will be analyzed for drug metabolites. These metabolites are produced when your body breaks down drugs, and they can remain in your hair for a long time. The lab technician will extract the drug metabolites from the hair samples and test them using specialized equipment.

Step 4: Reporting the Results

After analyzing the hair sample, the lab will provide a report of the drug metabolites found and their levels. The report will indicate whether you tested positive or negative for the drug metabolites. A positive result means that drug use was detected in your system, while a negative result means that no drug use was detected.

In conclusion, a hair strand drug test involves collecting hair from your head or other parts of your body, analyzing it for drug metabolites, and reporting the results of the analysis. It’s important to note that hair strand drug tests can detect drug use over a longer period than other drug tests, so it’s essential to be honest about any drug use history when undergoing a hair strand drug test.

Interpreting the Results of a Hair Strand Drug Test

Positive Results

A positive result on a hair strand drug test indicates that the individual has used drugs within the last 90 days. The test can detect a wide range of substances, including marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and opioids.

If an individual tests positive, it is important to determine if the result is a false positive or if the individual has indeed used drugs. False positives can occur if the individual has been exposed to drugs through environmental or passive means, such as being in the same room as someone smoking marijuana. A confirmation test may be conducted using a different hair sample or another type of test to verify the initial positive result.

Negative Results

A negative result on a hair strand drug test indicates that the individual has not used drugs within the last 90 days. However, it is important to note that the test may not detect drug use for the first 5-10 days after initial use. It is also possible that an individual who has used drugs may not test positive due to factors such as hair color and texture.

Further Action

If an individual tests positive on a hair strand drug test, further action may be taken depending on the reason for the test. For example, an employer may require a drug treatment program or termination of employment. In legal cases, positive results may be used as evidence in court.

Positive Results	Negative Results
Indicates drug use within last 90 days	Indicates no drug use within last 90 days
May require further testing to confirm	May not detect drug use for first 5-10 days
May lead to consequences such as job loss or legal action	May provide reassurance or evidence of drug-free status

It is important to understand the results and potential consequences of a hair strand drug test. If you have any questions or concerns, it is best to speak with a medical professional or legal representative.

Pros and Cons of Hair Strand Drug Testing

Pros

• Highly accurate: The hair strand drug test is considered to be the most accurate of all drug testing methods available. It can detect drug use over a longer period compared to urine or blood tests.
• Detects various drug types: Hair strand drug testing can detect a wide range of drugs including cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, opioids, and prescription drugs.
• Difficult to cheat: Unlike urine tests, the hair strand test is difficult to cheat, making it a favorite for employers and probation officers. It can detect drug use dating back up to 90 days and provides a longer window of detection compared to other drug tests.
• Insights into long-term drug use: Hair strand drug testing provides insights into the long-term drug use patterns of individuals. This information is useful in the development of drug treatment programs and rehabilitation efforts.

Cons

• High cost: Hair strand drug testing is significantly more expensive than other drug testing methods, making it less accessible to individuals or employers with limited resources.
• Impacts people of color more than White: The hair strand drug test is less fair and disadvantageous to people of color, making it controversial. Studies show that people of color are more likely to show positive results from hair testing due to chemical treatments and protective hairstyles which are common in the Black and Hispanic communities.
• Delayed detection of recent drug use: Hair strand drug testing may not detect drug use that occurred within the last few days, making it difficult to assess recent drug use patterns.
• Hair loss: The hair strand drug test requires a significant amount of hair, which could be a concern for some individuals who are already experiencing hair loss or thinning.

Alternatives to Hair Strand Drug Testing

Urine Testing

Urine testing is a common alternative to hair strand drug testing. This method typically detects drug use within the last few days, compared to hair testing which can detect drug use up to 90 days. Urine tests are less expensive than hair tests and are often used in workplace drug testing.

Blood Testing

Blood testing is another alternative to hair strand drug testing. This method can detect drug use within a few hours up to a few days, depending on the drug. Blood tests are more expensive than urine tests and often reserved for cases where immediate drug use needs to be detected, such as in medical emergencies or criminal investigations.

Saliva Testing

Saliva testing is a newer alternative to hair strand drug testing. Similar to urine tests, saliva tests can detect drug use within the last few days. Saliva tests are less invasive than blood or hair tests and can be administered on-site. However, the accuracy of saliva tests can vary depending on the drug being tested for.

Sweat Patch Testing

Sweat patch testing is similar to hair strand drug testing in that it can detect drug use up to 90 days. Instead of collecting hair samples, a patch is worn on the skin to collect sweat. This method is not commonly used due to its high cost and the discomfort of wearing the patch for an extended period of time.

Conclusion

While hair strand drug testing may be the most accurate and longest detection method, there are alternative options available for detecting recent drug use. Urine testing, blood testing, saliva testing, and sweat patch testing can all provide valuable information depending on the situation and desired outcome.