A hair test is a method that detects alcohol and drug metabolites in hair strands. It has different types that professionals can use, such as hair follicle testing, EtG testing, and FAEE testing. Generally, the test works using advanced laboratory techniques to analyse the hair specimen. The sample undergoes various chemical processes to extract the substances present, providing accurate information about the substance use history of the person.

Accurately detecting substance abuse presents a significant challenge. Traditional testing methods, like urine or saliva tests, often fail to capture long-term drug or alcohol consumption. This problem can mean substance abuse issues go unnoticed, risking the health and safety of the people. Fortunately, testing using hair samples can provide a longer detection window. Additionally, it is non-invasive compared to blood tests. This article will present information about hair drug testing, including its different types and how it works.

What is a Hair Test?

A hair test is a non-invasive type of drug testing that can detect a wide range of substances. It involves collecting a small sample of hair, usually from the scalp. Alternatively, professionals may use body hair if head hair is not available. They then secure the sample and send it to a laboratory for analysis.

The results of the hair drug test can provide information about the type of drug present, the frequency of usage, and the approximate timeline of use. Moreover, it is useful in various settings, such as employment screening, legal proceedings, and substance abuse treatment programs. This can help employers, courts, and health professionals if a person has been using illegal drugs or alcohol.

Furthermore, hair drug testing is a relatively new method for forensic or legal testing. However, with recent developments in technology, it has emerged as a valuable tool for determining substance use accurately. However, this test can be relatively expensive due to its complex process and its longer turnaround time for results.

Advantages of Hair Testing

• A hair drug test has a longer detection period than urine, saliva, and blood tests.
• The sample collection is non-invasive and painless.
• It can provide a cumulative history of drug use from several months from the date of testing.
• It is difficult to cheat or tamper with the results. Hence, it ensures a higher level of accuracy and reliability.
• The hair structure remains stable, making it difficult for the metabolites to be washed out or diluted.
• External contaminants like dirt and sweat do not affect the hair sample.
• It can provide evidence of drug use in cases where other methods might yield false negatives.

Types of Hair Tests

Hair tests come in various types, each serving different purposes. Firstly, the hair follicle test, which can have five, seven, or ten panels, can detect drugs like marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and others. It involves collecting a sample of hair close to the scalp and testing it for traces of drug metabolites.

Secondly, the EtG hair drug test specifically looks for Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG), a metabolite of alcohol. This test can detect alcohol consumption over a longer period compared to other methods like blood or urine tests. EtG remains in the hair for months after alcohol intake, providing a more extended detection window.

Thirdly, the FAEE testing focuses on detecting Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEE), another metabolite of alcohol. Like the EtG test, this method can detect alcohol consumption over a longer period, offering insights into long-term alcohol use patterns. It involves analysing hair samples for the presence of FAEE molecules. Overall, these are the types of hair sample testing for drug and alcohol detection.

Window of Detection for Different Substances

The detection window refers to the period during which a substance can be detected in the body specimen. In the case of a hair drug test, it indicates how far back in time the test can detect drug use. However, some factors like hair length, growth rate, and cosmetic treatments can affect the accuracy of the test results.

For various substances like amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, opioids, benzodiazepines, heroin, and alcohol, the detection window in a hair drug test is typically around 90 days. Therefore, it is suitable for detecting long-term drug and alcohol use patterns.

How Does a Hair Test Work?

A hair test analyses the sample for the presence of specific metabolites that are present in the hair shaft. When a person consumes drugs or alcohol, the liver breaks them down into various metabolites. These metabolites then enter the bloodstream and are eventually deposited into the hair follicles. Traces of these substances are detectable as hair grows.

During the test, the administrator takes a sufficient hair sample, approximately five cm of scalp hair. Then, the sample is washed to remove any external contaminants. It undergoes a series of chemical processes in the laboratory to extract the metabolites from the hair shaft.

One common method used in hair drug testing is Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). This technique allows for the identification of specific substances present in the hair sample. Mass spectrometry measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions, providing information about the structure and composition of the drug. Meanwhile, gas chromatography separates and analyses the individual components of the sample based on their volatility.

Collection Procedure for Hair Samples

A professional collects a sample of hair from the individual, usually from the scalp. The length of hair required varies depending on the testing facility. Generally, approximately five centimetres in length is ideal to get three months’ worth of data.

If head hair is not available, body hair is a suitable alternative. However, the length may differ as the hair growth rate in the body is slower. Next, the sample is sent to a laboratory for testing. In the laboratory, technicians wash the hair to remove any external contaminants. Overall, testing involves a meticulous collection of hair samples and extensive laboratory analysis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a hair test is a valuable tool for detecting drug and alcohol use over an extended period. It involves collecting a small sample of hair and analysing it for drug metabolites or alcohol byproducts. There are different types of tests. These include the hair follicle test, the EtG test, and the FAEE test. Despite the cost and longer processing time, hair testing provides valuable insights into substance use for employment, legal proceedings, and substance abuse treatment.

Collection of hair samples involves taking approximately five centimetres of hair from the scalp or body, depending on availability. Professionals may collect body hair if head hair is not an option. The test works by analysing the hair sample for specific metabolites that indicate drug or alcohol use. After collecting a sample of hair, it undergoes washing to remove external contaminants. In the lab, using techniques like GC-MS, metabolites are extracted and identified.