Tetrahydrocannabinol - a.k.a., Marijuana - THC - Cannabinoids - POT
Marijuana Hair Follicle Drug Testing THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary active ingredient in cannabinoids (marijuana). This is the component in marijuana that gets one “high.” When smoked or orally administered, it produces euphoric effects. Users have impaired short term memory and slowed learning. They may also experience transient episodes of confusion and anxiety. Marijuana smoke, just like tobacco smoke, has been proven to cause lung cancer and other forms of cancer as well. Marijuana is also known as the “gateway drug”, leading many people to other harder and more addictive drugs down the road. Short-term effects of marijuana use include problems with memory and learning; distorted perception; difficulty in thinking and problem-solving; loss of coordination; and increased heart rate, anxiety, and panic attacks Long term relatively heavy use may be associated with behavioral disorders. The peak effect of smoking marijuana occurs in 20-30 minutes and the duration is 90-120 minutes after one cigarette. Elevated levels of urinary metabolites are found within hours of exposure and remain detectable for 3-10 days after smoking. The main metabolite excreted in the urine is 11-nor-.9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (.9-THC-COOH). What is Hair Testing? Hair testing is a process in which hair specimens are analyzed for illegal drugs. When a drug is ingested, it enters the blood stream and is broken down to a specific metabolite. When a hair sample is screened, both the parent drug and the metabolite are isolated. Any samples that screen as potentially positive are confirmed using state-of-the-art GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) technology. In order for a hair sample to test positive, the metabolite of the drug will be detected if the donor has physically ingested the drug. Our Laboratory uses detection levels that follow government recommendations. |
Why Use Hair Testing?
When compared to other forms of testing ( urine, blood, oral fluids), hair samples can detect a longer period of drug use. For example, urinalysis can only detect most drugs within 2-3 days of use with the exception of marijuana, which may be detected for a longer period of time. After this period, a donor will be free of the drug, test negative and slip through the screening process. This is important in pre-employment testing where most candidates are aware that a drug test might be required and can abstain accordingly. With hair samples, the only time limitation for detecting drug usage is imposed by the length of the donor’s hair. The industry standard is to test 1.5 inches of head hair for a 90 day history.
Why is hair testing the best method of detecting substance abusers?
Hair testing offers the longest window of detection (90 days standard test).
Hair specimens cannot be adulterated or substituted.
Collection is safe and simple – without the hazards associated with the handling of body fluids.
Pricing is competitive with other methods even before the potential costs of employing a drug user are considered.
Pros and Cons of Hair Drug Testing:
Pros: This method has the longest drug detection window. For the majority of drugs the window of use is about 90 days or more. This method is also very donor friendly. Adulteration is the hardest to do with this method. This test is also very dependable and accurate.
Cons: The biggest disadvantage to this method is that you have to have a lab run the test and obtain the results. Because of this extra step, it can take a few extra days to get your test results. Another disadvantage is that it most likely will not pick up very recent drug use. Hair test kits are also the most expensive drug test kits because of the necessity of using a lab for the testing.
Marijuana Hair Drug Test |
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DescriptionHair Drug Test (5 panel hair follicle drug test): Marijuana, Opiates, Cocaine, Methamphetamines, & PCP. #LAB-Hair |
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MRO - Medical review Officer Services |
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Description#LAB-MRO Service - Medical Review Officer Review / Confirmation of Lab results |
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? ? ? Questions ? ? ? Give Us A Call: (801) 596-2709 |