Expert: Veronica C. Yost - 2/26/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am a past meth user.A heavy one.I have not used meth in six months.I have cut my waist lenth hair short above my ears.Will meth still show up in my hair if i have a hair follicle test? If tested how far back can they test?

ANSWER: Hi Diana,
 First CONGRATULATIONS on stopping Meth!!
 Here is a little info.  Basically 90 days but I had a follicle test after 4 months and I was a VERY heavy crack user, it was still there.  The longer the hair the farther back they can go.  Depending on what the test is being performed for, some do "mild testings other's do deep testing".  So, the longer the hair, they can go 5 years.  If you want to tell me if it is work related or a government testing, I can tell you exactly how far back they go.

A standard hair follicle screen covers a period of approximately 90 days, but is susceptible to time variation depending on the growth rate of your hair. The hair sample is cut as close to the scalp as possible and the most recent 3.9cm (or 1.5 inches) are tested. It is possible to go back even further than 90 days since the time period is limited only by the length of the hair sample, but is standardized to a 90 day history.


Veronica

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so very much for the info.Ive been searching for answers for quit some time...The test would be through the Office Of Childrens Services in the state i live in.How about second hand exposure? Its the all the same for testing once the drug is in you regardless of how it got there,correct?

Answer
Hello again Diana,
 First I will apologize for "not being timely enough".  I was on All Experts when your question came through and answered immediately.  If there is a delay in the amount of time it takes for your question to reach me, I don't know.  The information I provided regarding the "hair follicle" test came directly from the National Drug Abuse website.  
 As far as a state agency is concerned, the tests are standard and should not go back through the entire hair shaft.  Each state may test more rigorously or less.  Meth is unlikely to test positive in the hair.
 I would hope 90 days is enough for this test.  From my reading tonight it doesn't make too much of a difference on the amount of Meth that was smoked to the follicle test.

Veronica