Testing Positive: Understanding Hair Drug Test Results

Hair drug testing, also known as hair follicle testing or hair strand testing, is an analysis of a small hair sample to detect traces of drugs or their metabolites. As hair grows, it incorporates chemicals from the bloodstream, including any drugs or their byproducts. A positive hair drug test indicates drug use over the past 90 days, as head hair typically grows about 0.5 inches per month. 

How Hair Drug Tests Work

A hair drug test measures drug molecules and metabolites that are produced when the body breaks down drugs. As hair grows from the follicle, traces of drugs are embedded inside the hair shaft. Most standard hair strand testing for drugs measures a 3 cm length of hair, which provides a 90-day window of detection. The sample is washed to remove external contaminants before being screened for drugs. This includes illicit drugs like cocaine, marijuana, opioids, and methamphetamine.

Understanding Test Results

A hair test for drugs is highly accurate when collection, transportation, and testing procedures are followed properly. However, false positives can occasionally occur due to environmental contamination, poppy seeds, certain medications, etc. Confirmation testing can validate positive results if there are any doubts. The drug testing laboratory may provide information on the specific level of metabolites detected to indicate quantity of use. For example, a high level of cocaine metabolites suggests frequent or heavy use.

Common Questions

If you receive a positive hair follicle test result, you likely have some questions. Here are a few key points:

• A positive hair test result means drug metabolites have been detected in the hair sample. This indicates drug use over the past 90 days.
• Occasional, recreational drug use can produce a positive result. You do not need to be a chronic user.
• Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, food, or environmental contamination are unlikely causes of positive results when procedures are followed properly.
• Shaving your head will not help you pass a hair drug test because new growth will still contain drug metabolites.
• Additional confirmation testing can be done if the results are contested for some reason. This provides added validity to the positive test result.

Next Steps

Understand that a positive hair drug test result can have serious impacts depending on the reason for testing. Employment tests may lead to job loss or become part of your personnel file. Legal testing may influence child custody, probation hearings, etc. 

• Be upfront with your employer for workplace tests or legal team for court-ordered tests. The results will be reported to them no matter what.
• For employment, understand your rights and options under company policy for appealing, retesting, or entering treatment. 
• In legal cases, take steps to enter a treatment programme and address any underlying issues. This can demonstrate responsibility to the court.

The best approach is being honest and seeking help if needed rather than trying to hide or contest an accurate positive hair drug test result. Support groups and treatment programmes provide helpful resources to stop drug use and get your life back on track.

You truly don’t have to feel as if you’re going about this alone; you don’t have to isolate yourself or feel shame. You need help, and you need to reach out and get it. You’ll never be judged for getting help; you’ll only be praised. Nowadays, there are so many ways to get help, even where you can do it all right in the comfort of your home with Addictions UK. But at the end of the day, just never feel like you can’t or shouldn’t seek treatment. You need this, and you need to get your life on a better path.

Hair drug testing is an accurate way to detect illicit drug use over a 90-day window. A positive test result means drug metabolites have been deposited in the hair, indicating drug ingestion. While it can be an uncomfortable situation, take responsibility and seek appropriate help if you are faced with a positive result rather than attempting to hide drug use. Resources are available to help people struggling with substance abuse issues.