Follicle Test: The Need to Know

A hair follicle test is a precise method to detect drug classes or other substances over an extended period. It examines the hair shaft, providing a substance use history for up to 90 days. Accordingly, how it works hinges on the hair growth. When someone consumes drugs, it circulates in the bloodstream. The blood nourishes the hair follicles, integrating drug molecules into the hair strands. Additionally, a collector obtains hair samples and forwards them to a laboratory for analysis.

Drugs of abuse can have devastating effects on individuals. Hence, the detection of drug use is crucial to maintain a drug-free environment. Common methods of testing include saliva, blood, and urine drug tests. However, hair drug testing is one of the most effective testing methods to detect drug usage over a more extended time period. Nonetheless, many people are unaware of what hair analysis entails. This article will present hair sample testing, how it works, and the sample collection procedure.

What is a Hair Follicle Test?

A hair follicle test is a widely recognised method for detecting substance use. It involves examining a small sample of hair to uncover any traces of substances over a period. It can detect illegal drugs, prescription medications, and alcohol abuse. Nevertheless, this test stands out for its ability to track usage over much longer than traditional methods, such as saliva, blood, and urine tests.

Accordingly, hair follicle drug testing is a preferred choice in various sectors. Employers often use the method as part of workplace testing programs. They conduct it in pre-employment and random testing. Law enforcement agencies also rely on hair testing for legal testing or forensic examinations. It can provide evidence of substance abuse in cases pertinent to the investigation.

Furthermore, professionals employ hair drug tests in healthcare and substance abuse recovery programs. It can monitor the progress of individuals and adherence to treatment plans. It serves as a deterrent to relapse and a measure of rehabilitation success. As such, it offers a historical record. Overall, the wide application of hair analysis underscores its reliability and effectiveness.

Advantages of Hair Testing

• Extended Detection Window: Hair testing can identify substance use for up to three months. It is invaluable for providing a broader picture of the substance use history of a person.
• Non-Invasive Hair Collection Process: The method only requires a small sample of hair from the head or body, eliminating discomfort and privacy concerns.
• Difficult to Adulterate: The testing is less susceptible to evasion through tampering or adulteration. It ensures a higher level of accuracy in the findings.
• Convenient Storage and Transportation: Hair specimens are easier to store and transport than liquid samples. It reduces the risk of sample degradation or contamination.

How Hair Follicle Test Works

A hair follicle test is a meticulous method to detect substances in the system of a person. It operates by analysing a hair specimen for the presence of drug metabolites (substances produced when the body processes drugs or alcohol). Accordingly, the process begins when a conductor collects a small hair sample from the individual. It is usually from the head, but body hair can also be utilised.

Once the hair is collected, the conductor sends it to a laboratory for testing. The initial step at the lab involves washing the hair. It removes external contaminants. Following the wash, the hair is cut into small segments. Professionals analyse the hair samples through laboratory techniques. It may include immunoassay technology (initial screening) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) (confirmatory testing).

After the analysis, the testing facility compiles the findings into a report. It details whether any substances were detected and, if so, in what quantities. The laboratory returns the report to the requesting party. It can be an employer, legal entity, healthcare provider, or an individual.

Detectable Substances

Hair sample testing laboratories can accurately identify a wide range of substances. The analysis can detect the presence of various illicit drugs, including ecstasy, heroin, cannabis, methamphetamine, and cocaine. These substances can cause significant impairment and pose serious health risks.

The testing can also monitor the presence of prescription medications. It may include Xanax, Valium, dexamphetamine, morphine, and oxycodone. These substances are legal, but they have the potential for abuse or misuse. Additionally, the hair assessment can identify ethanol, which is an indicator of alcohol intake. It is the primary ingredient in alcoholic beverages or drinks.

Sample Collection Procedure for Hair Follicle Test

The sample collection procedure for the hair follicle test is straightforward and non-invasive. Initially, the collector wears a glove and inspects the scalp to identify the best site for hair collection. The site is usually the crown of the head. Accordingly, the conductor selects a small section of hair roughly the diameter of a pencil (usually about 90-120 strands of hair). It is vital for accurate analysis.

Using clean scissors, the collector cuts the hair as close to the scalp as possible. It ensures that the collected hair, which includes the root or follicle part, will reflect recent drug use accurately. The aim is to obtain a sample that is about 1.5 inches in length. Immediately after cutting, the conductor places the hair on a collection foil or similar surface. The hair roots aligned to one side to indicate the direction of growth.

Afterwards, the collector secures the hair samples by sealing them. They properly label the container with the information of the individual, collection date, and other relevant details. Subsequently, the conductor completes and signs the necessary chain of custody forms.

Factors that Can Affect Hair Samples

Foremost, chemicals used in hair treatments (dyes and bleaches) can alter hair structure. It can potentially affect the test results. Secondly, substances that come into external contact with the hair can lead to false positives. For instance, exposure to environments with drugs can deposit substances on hair surfaces.

Additionally, hair growth rates vary among individuals. Faster-growing hair may show shorter usage periods, while slower growth can extend the detection timeframe. Furthermore, shampoos, conditioners, and other hair products can sometimes affect test outcomes. They might alter the external layer of hair, affecting the absorption or adherence of substances.

Conclusion

Overall, the hair follicle test is a valuable testing method. It involves analysing a small hair sample to detect any traces of substances over a period, usually 90 days. It is a preferred choice in various sectors. Accordingly, hair testing serves multiple advantages. It is non-invasive, difficult to adulterate, convenient to store and transport, and has an extended detection window. It can also detect a wide range of substances, including ecstasy, cannabis, Xanax, dexamphetamine, oxycodone, and ethanol.

The hair testing begins with the hair sample collection. Initially, a conductor selects a small section of hair (90-120 strands, about 1.5 inches long). Afterwards, the collector forwards it for laboratory analysis. In the facility, professionals conduct testing using sophisticated techniques. It may include immunoassay and GC-MS technology. However, knowing the factors that can affect hair specimens is crucial. It may involve hair treatments, hair growth rates, environmental exposure, and hair products.