The Science behind Hair Drug Testing: How It Works and What It Can Detect

Short Communication, J Pls Sur Cos Vol: 12 Issue: 1

The Science behind Hair Drug Testing: How It Works and What It Can Detect

Shanna Marrinan^*

¹Department of Pharmacy, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, UK

*Corresponding Author: Shanna Marrinan
Department of Pharmacy, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, UK
E-mail: arrinan_shanna0768@ost.uk

Received date: 20 February, 2023, Manuscript No. JPSC-23-93384;

Editor assigned date: 23 February, 2023, Pre QC No. JPSC-23-93384 (PQ);

Reviewed date: 09 March, 2023, QC No. JPSC-23-93384;

Revised date: 16 March, 2023, Manuscript No: JPSC-23-93384 (R);

Published date: 23 March 2023, DOI: 10.4172/JPSC.100040.

Citation: Marrinan S (2023) The Science behind Hair Drug Testing: How It Works and What It Can Detect. J Pls Sur Cos 12:1.

Keywords: Aesthetic Surgery, Breast Augmentation, Breast Reconstruction

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Description

Hair drug testing is a type of drug testing that involves the analysis of hair samples for the presence of drugs and their metabolites. Unlike other drug testing methods, such as urine or blood testing, hair drug testing can detect drug use over a much longer period [1-3]. This makes it a popular choice for pre-employment drug screening, probation and parole monitoring, and forensic investigations. In this manuscript, we will discuss the process of hair drug testing, its benefits and limitations, and its applications in various fields.

Hair drug testing involves the analysis of hair samples for the presence of drugs and their metabolites. The hair sample is typically collected from the scalp, and a sample of at least 1.5 inches in length is required for accurate testing. The collected hair sample is then washed and treated with chemicals to extract the drug compounds [4-6]. The extracted compounds are then analyzed using techniques such as Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) or Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS).

Hair drug testing offers several benefits over other drug testing methods. Firstly, it can detect drug use over a much longer period. While urine and blood testing can only detect drug use within a few days, hair drug testing can detect drug use over a period of up to 90 days. This makes it a popular choice for pre-employment drug screening and probation and parole monitoring.

Secondly, hair drug testing is non-invasive and can be performed on both men and women of any age [7-9]. Unlike other drug testing methods that require the collection of blood or urine samples, hair drug testing only requires a small sample of hair.

Thirdly, hair drug testing can produce false-positive results. Hair samples can be contaminated with drugs through environmentalexposure, such as exposure to marijuana smoke in a poorly ventilatedroom. This can lead to false-positive results, which can be problematic in certain situations.

While hair drug testing offers several benefits, it also has its limitations. Firstly, it is more expensive than other drug testing methods. The cost of hair drug testing is due to the specialized equipment and techniques required to extract and analyze drug compounds from the hair sample.

Hair drug testing depends on various factors such as the purpose of testing, the type of drugs being tested for, the sensitivity and accuracy of the testing method, and the interpretation of the results [10].

In general, hair drug testing is considered to be a reliable and accurate method of detecting drug use over a longer period of time compared to other methods such as urine or saliva testing. This is because drugs can be detected in hair samples for up to 90 days or even longer, depending on the length of the hair sample [11].

However, hair drug testing may not be suitable for detecting recent drug use, as it takes time for the drugs to be incorporated into the hair shaft. Additionally, factors such as hair color, texture, and treatment can affect the accuracy of the test results.

Hair drug testing is a valuable tool for detecting long-term drug use over other drug testing methods. B. Its cost and potential for false positive results. Hair drug testing is a non-invasive, hard-to-get drug testing method that has multiple applications in different fields. As drug use continues to be a problem in society, hair drug testing will continue to be an important tool for detecting drug use and ensuring safety in workplaces and communities.