Can Alcohol be Detected by a Hair Follicle Test?
Our hair carries a wealth of information about us. Hair follicle analysis can detect a wide range of drugs and chemical substances that are taken into the body.
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What is hair follicle testing?
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50-70 strands are needed for hair testing. Hair follicle testing involves collecting approximately 50-70 strands of hair and testing the sample for the presence specific drug molecules in the body.
Types of Substances Detected
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Several types of drugs can be detected in the hair. Hair follicle tests can detect alcohol use in individuals. They can also screen for the following federally mandated substances: cocaine, marijuana, morphine, methamphetamine, and PCP.
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How Do Substances Get Into Hair?
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Alcohol can be detected in the hair. When you drink, smoke, inject, or otherwise ingest a substance like alcohol, your body breaks down the substance's molecules and releases them into the bloodstream. The hair follicle receives its nutrients directly from the bloodstream and incorporates the molecules into the growing hair strand.
Uses
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Hair follicle testing is used by courts and employers to test an individual's compliance with drug policies.
Controversy
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Hair testing has come under scrutiny because of evidence that dark hair tends to test positively for substances more often than other types.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of hans van den berg Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Anselm Hook Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jason Rogers Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Balaji Dutt M V
