Yes, TMC (The Medical Center) does perform hair follicle tests as part of their comprehensive drug screening services. This type of test is increasingly popular due to its accuracy and ability to detect drug use over a longer period of time compared to other testing methods. Hair follicle tests provide valuable information to employers, organizations, and individuals about an individual’s drug history and can be used for various purposes.
What is a Hair Follicle Test?
A hair follicle test is a type of drug test that analyzes a small sample of hair to detect the presence of drugs or their metabolites in a person’s system. Unlike urine or saliva tests that only provide a snapshot of recent drug use, hair follicle tests can detect drug use patterns over an extended period.
During the test, a technician will typically collect a small sample of hair from the scalp or other body parts, such as the arms or legs. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory analyzes the hair sample to identify the presence of specific drugs or metabolites within the hair shaft.
It’s important to note that hair follicle tests are not able to determine the exact timing or frequency of drug use. However, they can provide a historical overview of drug use within a certain timeframe, typically ranging from several days to several months.
Advantages of Hair Follicle Testing
There are several advantages to using hair follicle tests for drug screening:
- Long detection window: Hair follicle tests can detect drug use up to 90 days prior to the test. This makes it an effective method for identifying chronic drug users.
- Difficult to adulterate: It is challenging for individuals to manipulate or adulterate hair samples, making it a reliable testing method.
- Non-invasive collection: Unlike blood or urine tests, collecting hair samples is non-invasive and does not require special facilities or medical personnel.
- Comprehensive screening: Hair follicle tests can detect a wide range of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and more.
Circumstances Where Hair Follicle Testing is Used
Hair follicle testing is utilized in various settings, including:
- Employment screening: Employers may require hair follicle tests as part of their hiring process to ensure a drug-free workplace.
- Probation and legal cases: Courts and probation officers may request hair follicle tests to monitor individuals on probation or involved in legal cases where drug use may be relevant.
- Rehabilitation programs: Rehabilitation facilities may use hair follicle tests to assess the success of their programs and monitor individuals for relapse.
- Professional sports: Athletes may undergo hair follicle testing to check for performance-enhancing drug use.
- Personal insight: Individuals can opt for hair follicle tests to gain personal insight into their drug use history and seek appropriate support or treatment if needed.
Interpreting Hair Follicle Test Results
The interpretation of hair follicle test results typically involves comparing the concentration of drugs or metabolites detected in the hair sample to established cutoff levels. If the concentration exceeds the cutoff level, it is considered a positive result, indicating drug use within the specified detection window.
Results are often reported as positive/negative or as a numerical value representing the drugs’ presence. The specific drugs detected and their concentrations are listed in the test report, providing valuable information about the individual’s drug history.
| Drug | Cutoff Level |
|---|---|
| Marijuana | 0.1 picograms per milligram (pg/mg) |
| Cocaine | 0.5 pg/mg |
| Amphetamines | 0.2 pg/mg |
| Opioids | 0.2 pg/mg |
Conclusion
When it comes to hair follicle testing, TMC provides this service as part of their comprehensive drug screening options. Hair follicle tests offer a longer detection window compared to other testing methods, making them an invaluable tool in various contexts, such as employment screening, probation, and personal insight. The accurate and reliable results obtained from hair follicle tests can assist in maintaining drug-free environments and supporting individuals in their journey towards a drug-free life.