Drug testing is becoming a lot more sophisticated as labs are finding more ways that are quicker and more accurate in detecting substances in the body. Usually, people who take drug tests risk losing their current job or potential job if the results come out positive. But even when you think you have made sure you do pass the examination, waiting for the results can be a mentally painful process.
For a long time, the urine drug test or analysis has been the most common drug analysis method; however, many employers are beginning to take an interest in the hair follicle testing. One main reason for this is so that the testing is not only accurate but can also detect usage from as far back as 120 days. Click here to learn more about urine analysis.
With the urine analysis technique being the most popular testing method, most people are used to detoxing their body before a test. But not so many people know about passing hair follicle testing. Luckily, there is one way that has been proven to help subjects pass this particular test.
What is a Hair Follicle Test?
Like every other drug test type, this is typically carried out in a hospital or at a lab. The test sample is hair strands usually about 100-120 hairs taken from the crown of the head. If there is not enough hair on the head, body hair may be collected as a substitute. Yes, it does not sound very pleasant but having to worry about the results coming back positive takes the stress to a whole new level.
Once the sample is collected, it is sealed and sent to the facility where it is analyzed for several drugs. Opioids, marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine are the drugs that are mostly looked out for with each having a specific level that determines if the sample is positive or negative.
Marijuana, for example, has a cut-off level at 1 pg/mg, while that of opioids is much higher at 500 pg/mg. Samples that go over these levels are considered positive. We should point out that hair follicle analyses are two sub-tests. They are the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and GC/MS tests. Visit https://www.immunology.org/public-information/bitesized-immunology/experimental-techniques/enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay to learn more about the ELISA test.
Despite its capability of detecting marijuana or the presence of THC further back than others, this method may not be the most suitable for identifying recent use. This is because THC can take as long as a week before it makes its way to hair follicles on the head.
Myths About Hair Follicle Tests
There are so many myths online about how people can pass this examination and while they may appear to be viable, most do not work. Here are a few of the most common ones:
Staying Away from Cannabis
Sounds alright but staying away from cannabis a few days before your test won’t be of any help and you should disregard advice like this. Why? Well, as we mentioned earlier, hair follicle analysis can detect usage up to 120 days ago. So, unless you have abstained from the substance for a longer period than that, your result will most likely be positive.
Going bald
On the surface, this might seem like the right thing to do but the hair on the head is not the only ones fit for this analysis. As we mentioned earlier too, the samples can also be taken from other parts of the body if necessary. So, unless you have successfully shaved off every strand of hair from your body, this option will not work. Also, unless you have a really good reason for shaving your hair before the examination, you’ll probably get fired because you obviously have something to hide.
Bleaching Your Hair
Bleaching your hair will not fool or mislead chemical scientists. Now, there have been instances when this actually did work but the success rate is probably around 40% and you would have had to bleach repeatedly to even stand a chance. If this does work for you, there is a big chance that you may have caused a lot of damage to your hair.
So, What Actually Works?
If most of the remedies being circulated online do not work, what does? Well, if you have heard about some of these myths we have just busted, chances are that you have probably come across detox shampoos. Yes, detox shampoos, the right detox shampoos, are the most reliable and effective way to rid your hair follicles of THC and other toxins before a test.
The process is simple and involves repeatedly scrubbing the scalp and body hair with a tried and tested detox shampoo. Doing this a few days before the examination has been found to effectively rid your hair of all unwanted toxins. There are so many products out on the market that claims to produce the desired results but only a few of them deliver on their promises.
When shopping for a detox shampoo, prioritize products from manufacturers who have been in the business for a long time and have years of experience. Usually, companies like that through customer feedback have over the years tweaked their formulas so that they produce the right results.
Superior detox shampoos not only get rid of unwanted toxins but do so while being gentle on the hair and scalp. Low-quality products are often too harsh on the scalp and do not always produce the desired results. When it comes to shopping for detox shampoos, you should prioritize quality over cost. Reviews are also very important so make sure you read reviews of products you’re thinking of buying. You can visit sites like Journey Forward to learn more.
Final Thoughts
It is important to note that for most of these shampoos to work, following the instructions for use is very crucial. Some have specific instructions of use that must be followed if the desired results are to be achieved. That said, since most employees do not know the timeline of their examination or which drug test type it would be, a full-body cleanser that includes detox medications and shampoos is recommended.
