Have you been asked to do a hair drug test? If you have been asked to do this kind of test, but you're not sure what to expect, you will want to get information about what it involves and how it works.
A hair follicle drug test is a valid option for those who wish to do mandatory employer drug testing or if drug testing is necessary for a legal issue. Here is a closer look at how this test works.
Drugs and Your Bloodstream
Whenever you use a drug it is absorbed into your bloodstream. Your hair follicles are connected to blood vessels. These blood vessels allow the drugs in your bloodstream to be carried to your hair follicles. This is why a sampling of your hair if tested, will reveal whether drug use is present or not.
Drugs Detected from Hair Drug Tests
There is a wide range of drugs that can be detected by using a hair drug test. Bear in mind that a hair drug test will not detect drugs immediately due to the rate of hair growth. It will take about a week after taking drugs before a sample will give a positive result.
The hair follicle drug test is effective because samples of any drugs that have been taken can be detected in your hair follicles for long periods. This means the test is often accurate and hard to cheat. The drugs that can be detected from hair drug tests are:
- Ecstasy
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Opiates
This it's just a shortlist as many others can be detected, and you can ask your tester more about this.
What to Expect
You are probably wondering what you can expect when you go in for this type of testing. The good news is that the testing is very straightforward and hassle-free. The only thing that will happen is that a sample of your hair will be collected for examination purposes.
Your hair will not be pulled out at the roots but it will be snipped very close to your scalp. The length and thickness of the sample will be discussed with you before it is taken.
Having to take a drug test can be very intimidating. Remember to always ask questions from those who are doing your test if you feel uncomfortable with any part of the process. For more information, turn to a company such as AAVCOR.