Introduction
Hair follicle drug tests are one of the most reliable ways to detect drug use over a long period of time. The test works by collecting a sample of hair from an individual, which is then analyzed for traces of drugs in the body. While the test can typically provide insight into drug use over the past 90 days, some employers and courts may require evidence of drug use over a 12 month period. So, the question arises – can a hair follicle test go back 12 months?
Exploring the Accuracy of Hair Follicle Drug Tests
Hair follicle drug tests are very accurate in detecting drug use over a long period of time. In fact, the test can detect drug use up to 12 months after the last instance of drug use. This is because the hair follicles contain traces of the drugs that have been ingested, even if the drugs have left the body. Therefore, a hair follicle test can be used to provide evidence of drug use over a 12 month period.
The main advantage of using a hair follicle test to determine drug use over a 12 month period is that it is more accurate than other methods. For example, urine tests can only detect drug use within the past week or two. Saliva tests can detect drug use within the past few days, but not as far back as a hair follicle test. Additionally, hair follicle tests are less likely to be affected by external factors, such as changes in temperature or humidity, that may affect other types of drug tests.
However, there are some drawbacks to using a hair follicle test to determine drug use over a 12 month period. First, the test is more expensive than other methods, such as urine or saliva tests. Additionally, the test must be performed by a qualified technician who is trained in administering and interpreting the results of the test. Finally, the test only provides information about drug use at the time the sample was taken, so it cannot be used to determine if someone has stopped using drugs in the interim.
Comparing Hair Follicle Testing to Other Methods of Determining Drug Use
In addition to hair follicle testing, there are other methods that can be used to determine drug use over a 12 month period. These include urine tests, saliva tests, and blood tests. Each of these tests has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to determining drug use over a 12 month period.
Urine tests are the least expensive option for determining drug use over a 12 month period. However, they are not as accurate as hair follicle tests, as they can only detect drug use within the past week or two. Additionally, urine tests can be affected by external factors, such as changes in temperature or humidity.
Saliva tests are another option for determining drug use over a 12 month period. They are more accurate than urine tests, as they can detect drug use within the past few days. However, they are not as accurate as hair follicle tests, as they can only detect drug use within the past few days. Additionally, saliva tests can be affected by external factors, such as changes in temperature or humidity.
Finally, blood tests can be used to determine drug use over a 12 month period. Blood tests are the most accurate of all the methods, as they can detect drug use within the past 24 hours. However, they are also the most expensive option, and can be affected by external factors, such as changes in temperature or humidity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a hair follicle test can be used to determine drug use over a 12 month period. The test is more accurate than other methods, such as urine or saliva tests, and is less likely to be affected by external factors. However, the test is more expensive than other methods, and can only provide information about drug use at the time the sample was taken. For these reasons, it is recommended that a combination of hair follicle testing and other methods be used to determine drug use over a 12 month period.
