What Drugs Show Up in a Hair Test?

Drug testing is a common practice in many workplaces today and it can be an intimidating prospect for anyone facing one. One of the most comprehensive and reliable forms of drug testing is a hair drug test, which can detect the presence of illegal substances in a person’s system over a longer period of time than other types of tests. The question then becomes: What drugs show up in a hair test? In this article, we will explore the different types of drugs that are detected in a hair test, the accuracy of the test, and the process for conducting the test.

Understanding Hair Tests for Drugs and Their Limitations

A hair test is one of the most accurate and reliable methods of drug testing. It is often used to detect drug use over a longer period of time, up to several months, and is more resistant to tampering than urine or saliva tests. Hair tests detect the presence of certain drugs or metabolites that are present in the hair follicles, and can be used to identify recent drug use.

Hair tests are typically used in pre-employment screenings, criminal investigations, and drug treatment programs. They can also be used in judicial proceedings to determine if an individual has been using drugs. The most common drugs that show up in a hair test are marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, amphetamines, opiates, and PCP.

Marijuana in Hair Tests

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States and is detectable in a hair test for up to 90 days after last use. The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, is detectable in hair follicles and can be used to detect recent marijuana use.

Hair tests are more reliable than urine tests for detecting marijuana use, as THC is stored in hair follicles for longer periods of time than in urine. Additionally, hair tests are more difficult to tamper with than urine tests, making them a preferred method for detecting marijuana use.

Cocaine in Hair Tests

Cocaine is another drug that is detectable in hair tests. Cocaine is detectable in hair follicles for up to 90 days after last use, making it an effective tool for detecting recent cocaine use.

Hair tests are also more reliable for detecting cocaine use than urine tests, as cocaine is stored in hair follicles for longer periods of time than in urine. Additionally, hair tests are more difficult to tamper with than urine tests, making them a preferred method for detecting cocaine use.

Other Drugs Detected in Hair Tests

Methamphetamines in Hair Tests

Methamphetamines, such as crystal meth, are detectable in hair tests for up to 90 days after last use. Methamphetamines are detectable in hair follicles and can be used to detect recent methamphetamines use.

Hair tests are more reliable than urine tests for detecting methamphetamines use, as methamphetamines are stored in hair follicles for longer periods of time than in urine. Additionally, hair tests are more difficult to tamper with than urine tests, making them a preferred method for detecting methamphetamines use.

Amphetamines in Hair Tests

Amphetamines, such as Adderall, are detectable in hair tests for up to 90 days after last use. Amphetamines are detectable in hair follicles and can be used to detect recent amphetamines use.

Hair tests are more reliable than urine tests for detecting amphetamines use, as amphetamines are stored in hair follicles for longer periods of time than in urine. Additionally, hair tests are more difficult to tamper with than urine tests, making them a preferred method for detecting amphetamines use.

Opioids and PCP in Hair Tests

Opioids in Hair Tests

Opioids, such as heroin and prescription painkillers, are detectable in hair tests for up to 90 days after last use. Opioids are detectable in hair follicles and can be used to detect recent opioids use.

Hair tests are more reliable than urine tests for detecting opioids use, as opioids are stored in hair follicles for longer periods of time than in urine. Additionally, hair tests are more difficult to tamper with than urine tests, making them a preferred method for detecting opioids use.

PCP in Hair Tests

Phencyclidine (PCP) is detectable in hair tests for up to 90 days after last use. PCP is detectable in hair follicles and can be used to detect recent PCP use.

Hair tests are more reliable than urine tests for detecting PCP use, as PCP is stored in hair follicles for longer periods of time than in urine. Additionally, hair tests are more difficult to tamper with than urine tests, making them a preferred method for detecting PCP use.

Related Faq

What is a Hair Test?

A hair test is a type of drug testing method used to detect drug use over a period of several months. It involves taking a small sample of hair from the head, usually at the back of the scalp. The hair sample is then analyzed for the presence of drugs and their metabolites. Hair testing is considered more reliable than other forms of drug testing such as urine testing, as hair is more resistant to external contamination and can provide a longer detection window.

What Drugs Show Up in a Hair Test?

Hair tests can detect many types of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, methamphetamine, ecstasy, and phencyclidine (PCP). The detection window for drugs in hair tests is generally much longer than other forms of drug testing, as the drugs remain in the hair follicle for several months.

How Does a Hair Test Work?

A hair test works by analyzing the hair sample for the presence of drugs and their metabolites. The sample is first washed to remove any external contaminants, and then it is subjected to a chemical process known as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). These techniques can detect the presence of drugs and their metabolites in the hair sample.

What Factors Can Affect the Results of a Hair Test?

The accuracy of a hair test can be affected by several factors, such as the type and amount of drug used, the length of the hair sample, and the rate of hair growth. Additionally, hair treatments such as bleaching and dyeing can also affect the accuracy of the test.

How Long Does a Hair Test Detect Drug Use?

A hair test can typically detect drug use up to 90 days prior to the date of the test. This is much longer than other forms of drug testing, such as urine testing, which can usually only detect drug use up to the past few days.

Can a Hair Test Be Fooled?

It is possible to fool a hair test, although it is difficult and not recommended. Methods such as shaving the head or using special shampoos can be used to remove drug metabolites from the hair follicle, but it is not guaranteed to work. Additionally, using such methods may be considered a form of tampering with the test, which is a criminal offense.

Why Increasing Blood Flow is Key to Brain Health

A hair test is a powerful tool for detecting drug use in a person’s system. It can identify various drugs that have been used within the past 90 days and can provide a much more accurate picture of a person’s drug use than a urine or blood test. A hair test can help employers, health care providers and law enforcement agencies identify individuals who are using drugs in order to prevent further harm or to ensure that individuals are receiving the appropriate treatment. With its ability to detect drug use, a hair test is an invaluable tool for keeping individuals safe and ensuring justice is served.