If you’re facing a hair follicle test and feel uncertain about how to prepare, you’re not alone. This type of drug testing is known for its accuracy and long detection period, which can make passing a challenge. However, with the right approach and understanding, you can increase your chances of a favorable outcome. In this blog, we’ll break down the science behind hair follicle tests, what substances can be detected, and effective strategies to help cleanse your hair of unwanted residues.
Whether you’re required to take this test for a new job or other reasons, we aim to provide clear, reliable information to help you through the process with confidence. Let’s get into the details of what makes these tests so rigorous and how you can prepare effectively.
What is a Hair Follicle Drug Test?
A hair follicle drug test is a method used to detect drugs using a small sample of hair. Technicians typically cut a small amount of hair, from close to the scalp to analyze drug use over the previous 90 days. This test is highly sensitive and can identify a range of illegal substances and prescription medications. It’s favored for its accuracy and because it provides a longer detection window compared to other testing methods like urine or blood tests. Once collected, the hair is sent to a lab where it undergoes specialized testing to identify any drug metabolites embedded in the hair shaft, offering a detailed record of a person’s drug history.
Here’s How it Works
Understanding how a hair follicle drug test works can demystify what many might see as a daunting process. This test is all about detecting the presence of drug metabolites that have entered the hair shaft. Let’s break down the process step by step.
First up, collection. During a hair follicle drug test, a small sample of hair is taken—usually from the back of the head to maintain discretion. About 90 to 120 strands are needed, roughly the diameter of a pencil. The technician cuts the hair as close to the scalp as possible because the newest growth is what will be tested. This 1.5-inch section reflects approximately 90 days of drug history, based on average hair growth rates.
Once the hair is collected, it’s sent off to a laboratory. The first thing lab technicians do upon receiving a hair sample is to wash it thoroughly. This step is crucial as it eliminates external contaminants that might have clung to the hair’s surface, like drug particles from smoke or environmental exposure.
After washing, the real science kicks in. The hair is cut into smaller pieces or even ground up to break down the keratin structure—the tough protein that hair is made of. The aim here is to access the metabolites trapped inside. These metabolites are the tiny molecules that drugs break down into after your body processes them. They enter the bloodstream and eventually make their way into the hair follicle, embedding in the hair as it grows.
The next phase involves solvents. The lab uses various chemicals to extract these metabolites from the hair. Once extracted, the metabolites are subjected to a sophisticated detection process. Initially, a screening test, usually through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), is performed. If this test detects the presence of drug metabolites, a confirmation test follows, typically using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These methods are highly precise and can pinpoint specific drugs and their quantities.
The drugs commonly tested for include marijuana, cocaine, opiates (like heroin and codeine), methamphetamine, ecstasy, and sometimes prescription drugs that are prone to abuse. The sensitivity of the test means it can detect drugs taken even three months prior, though it can’t pinpoint the exact time of use.
Why opt for this method? Hair follicle testing is incredibly hard to cheat. While urine tests can sometimes be bypassed with various methods, the nature of hair growth and metabolite embedding over time makes it nearly impossible to manipulate hair tests without shaving one’s head entirely—and even then, body hair can be used.
What Can Hair Follicle Test Screen For
A hair follicle test can screen for a wide variety of substances, making it a comprehensive tool for detecting drug use over an extended period. Here’s a list of some of the most commonly tested substances in a hair follicle drug test:
- Marijuana (Cannabis)
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- Amphetamines
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
- Methadone
- Propoxyphene
- Buprenorphine
- Tramadol
- Fentanyl
- Sufentanil
These substances are just a few examples, and the specific panel of drugs tested can vary based on the requirements of the employer, legal authority, or medical personnel requesting the test. Some panels might include fewer drugs, while others could be expanded to test for a broader array of substances depending on the context of the test.
What are the Cutoff Levels For A Hair Follicle Drug Test
Cutoff levels in a hair follicle drug test are essentially the thresholds that determine whether a test result is reported as positive or negative. These levels are set to ensure that only meaningful, reliable detections of drug use are reported, minimizing the chance of a positive result from mere passive exposure or incidental contact with drugs.
Understanding these cutoff levels can help clarify why a test might come back positive and what that means in terms of drug use.
Why Cutoff Levels Matter
Cutoff levels are critical because they help differentiate between someone who has consumed a drug and someone who might have been exposed to it environmentally. For instance, if you were at a concert where people were smoking marijuana around you, THC could theoretically land on your hair. However, without actual usage, the concentration in the hair would likely be below the cutoff level, leading to a negative test result.
Common Cutoff Levels
The cutoff levels can vary slightly depending on the lab and the specific regulations governing the test, but there are generally accepted standards used by most testing facilities. Here are some typical cutoff levels for various substances:
Marijuana (THC): 1 picogram per milligram of hair (pg/mg)
Cocaine: 500 pg/mg
Opiates (Morphine and Codeine): 200 pg/mg, Heroin (measured as 6-acetylmorphine): 200 pg/mg
Amphetamines (including Methamphetamine and MDMA): 500 pg/mg
Phencyclidine (PCP): 300 pg/mg
These levels are meticulously chosen based on scientific research and statistical analysis to ensure that they accurately reflect consumption rather than accidental exposure.
In the lab, once the hair is washed and treated to release any drugs, the substances are extracted and then measured against these cutoff levels during the analysis. If a drug level in the hair sample exceeds the cutoff point, the test is marked positive. If it’s below, it’s negative. It’s a process that emphasizes precision to ensure fair and accurate results.
Cutoff levels in hair testing are generally higher compared to urine testing because hair samples are much more concentrated with metabolites since they incorporate these substances over a longer period. This makes hair tests particularly good for getting a clear picture of habitual use rather than one-off or accidental exposures.
Can You Pass a Hair Follicle Drug Test?
Passing a hair follicle drug test can be tricky due to the test’s ability to detect drug use over a longer period (up to 90 days). However, if you’re facing one and need to ensure a clean slate, there are a few strategies you might consider.
Firstly, the most straightforward way to pass is by not using drugs during the 90 days leading up to the test. This period reflects the typical growth of 1.5 inches of hair used for testing, sourced from near the scalp.
For those looking for methods to potentially cleanse their hair of detectable drug residues, there are various commercially available shampoos and treatments marketed as detox products. These products claim to strip out toxins and drug metabolites from your hair. While results and effectiveness can vary widely, some people opt to use these shampoos repeatedly in the days leading up to a test.
Another approach is the “Macujo method,” which involves multiple steps including the use of vinegar, salicylic acid shampoo, and detergent. This method is somewhat controversial and not guaranteed—it can also be harsh on your hair and scalp.
It’s crucial to note, however, that many of the detox products and unconventional cleansing methods are not scientifically proven and can be hit or miss. The hair follicle test is designed to be tamper-resistant, with the metabolites firmly embedded in the hair shaft, making them difficult to remove fully.
If you’re taking prescription medication that could show up on the test, the best course of action is to disclose this information upfront. Provide documentation or a prescription as proof, which can help explain the presence of certain substances in your hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What will mess up a hair follicle drug test?
External contamination (like being in a room where drugs are being used but not using them yourself) could potentially affect the test. However, reputable labs will wash and retest hair to differentiate external contamination from actual drug use. Using hair products like shampoos, dyes, or styling products won’t typically mess up the results because the test targets the metabolites within the hair shaft itself.
Q2. How long does it take to be clean for a hair follicle drug test?
Generally, it takes about 90 days. Hair on your scalp grows approximately half an inch per month, and testers usually take 1.5 inches of hair measured from the scalp. This length of hair provides a 90-day history of drug use, as hair grown beyond this length will have been cut.
Q3. How do you detox your hair from products?
For general detox from daily product build-up, using a clarifying shampoo once a week can help. These shampoos are designed to strip away residue from styling products and oils. For deeper cleansing, some opt for home remedies like apple cider vinegar rinses, which can help remove residues and balance scalp pH.
Q4. How do you mask a hair follicle drug test?
Attempting to mask drug use in a hair follicle test is challenging. Some try detox shampoos or more extreme methods like the Macujo method, but success isn’t guaranteed and can damage your hair and scalp. These methods aim to open up the hair cuticle and flush out the metabolites, but they may not be fully effective.
Q5. Are hair test results accurate?
Yes, hair follicle tests are highly accurate. They are used because they can detect a pattern of repetitive drug use effectively, thanks to the metabolites embedding in the keratin structure of the hair shaft. The test’s accuracy and the difficulty in tampering with samples make it a preferred choice in legal and employment settings.
Q6. Can you shave to pass the test?
Technically, yes, if you shave all hair on your body to avoid providing a sample. However, this is conspicuous and can be considered as an attempt to evade the test, potentially leading to negative consequences, such as failing the test by default or not being eligible for the job or legal consideration that required the test.
Final Words
Wrapping up, and passing a hair follicle drug test boils down to some practical choices and preparation. If you’re looking ahead to a test, the best and most foolproof way to pass is by abstaining from drug use for at least 90 days, as this reflects the typical detection period. For those looking for quick fixes like detox shampoos or home methods, it’s important to approach these with caution, as their effectiveness and safety aren’t guaranteed. Always consider the legality and ethical implications of trying to circumvent drug testing, especially in professional or legal contexts.