Hair Strand Testing vs. Hair Follicle Testing: What’s The Difference?
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In the realm of drug and alcohol testing, both hair strand testing and hair follicle testing are often discussed. People often refer to “hair follicle testing” when they really mean “hair strand” testing. We are not aware of anyone in New Zealand offering true hair follicle testing, but they are different to hair follicle testing. Read on to find out how they differ.
What is Hair Strand Testing?
Hair strand testing involves analysing the hair that has grown out from the scalp to detect drug and alcohol use. This method is highly effective for long-term detection and can trace substances used up to 12 months or even longer, depending on the length of hair tested.
Key Features
- Detection Window: Hair strand testing can detect drug use from seven days up to 12 months or more.
- Comprehensive Analysis: Provides a month-by-month report of substance use, making it ideal for establishing patterns over time.
- Versatile: Can detect a wide array of substances, including drugs and alcohol markers like ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE).
How It Works:
Compounds introduced into the body are deposited into the hair strand through blood flow in the scalp. Once the hair grows out of the scalp, it retains this information, unaffected by subsequent body changes. This allows the hair strand to serve as a historical record of substance use.
Hair strand testing differs from saliva and urine drug tests, as hair drug testing has a longer illicit drug detection window, allowing for the assessment of an individual’s drug use history.
Sample Collection
The amount of hair required for testing depends on the desired detection window. Hair typically grows at about 1.28 cm per month. For example, a 4 cm hair sample can provide a four-month drug use history.
Considerations
- Chemical Treatments: Hair treatments like bleaching or dyeing can affect test results. If hair has been chemically treated, body hair or nail testing might be recommended.
- Detection Limitations: Single instances of drug use may not be detectable. For recent drug use, saliva or urine tests are more appropriate.
Hair strand testing is a reliable and accurate method for assessing drug use over an extended period by analysing hair samples.
What is Hair Follicle Testing?
Technically, hair follicle testing would involve analyzing the hair follicle itself, which is located beneath the scalp. However, this is not a common practice since the follicle only provides a short history of drug use, typically a day or two. Furthermore, it takes approximately seven days for hair to grow out of the scalp and become testable.
Key Features
- Short-Term Detection: Detects drug use shortly after ingestion but is not suitable for long-term analysis.
- Sample Collection: This would require plucking hair from the scalp, which is invasive and less practical.
Given these limitations, when people refer to hair follicle testing, they almost always mean hair strand testing.
Final thoughts
Overall, hair drug tests can conduct a detailed month-by-month history of drug use, offering insights into an individual’s lifestyle and consumption patterns. This method serves as a useful tool not only for determining long-term drug use but also for establishing periods of abstinence, making it useful for employers, rehabilitation programs, and legal entities alike.
When considering the right testing method:
- Employers benefit from hair strand testing as it helps establish periods of abstinence and long-term substance use patterns, crucial for maintaining a safe workplace.
- Legal Professionals find hair strand testing invaluable for providing evidence of substance use or abstinence over extended periods, often required in custody cases and legal disputes.
- Healthcare Providers can utilise the detailed month-by-month history to tailor rehabilitation programs and monitor patient progress effectively.
Ready to ensure a safer, more transparent environment? Book a comprehensive hair strand drug testing service with Resultz Group NZ today. Our 12 years of expertise and extensive range of testing services make us your ideal partner in drug and alcohol testing.
Make a booking today for fast comprehensive hair strand drug testing services.
