Hair Drug Testing

The only precision, legal drug test using exclusive DNAffirm technology on hair samples.

Gives quantitative results and level of drug use (if any) for:

    • cocaine products and derivatives
    • opiates and codeine derivatives (oxycontin etc.)
    • amphetamine and derivatives
    • marijuana/hashish (THC)
    • phencyclidine

The test provides a complete 90 day drug history and costs only $195.00. Sample Collection Kits are sent at no cost or obligation. They are complete, easy to use and include a pre-addressed return envelope for your convenience.

If you have any questions regarding the Sample Collection Kit, call 1-877-842-4827 (toll free) or 1-416-691-4167 (direct), (Mon-Fri / 9 AM - 5 PM EST).

Completely confidential.

Marijuana

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in North America. The active chemical in Marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabisol (THC). A more potent resinous form is called hashish.

The drug is usually smoked, and the crumbled dried leaves and flower buds are mixed with the tobacco and rolled into a reefer or joint. When marijuana is smoked, it leaves a distinctive sweet/sour odour.

THC acts on specific sites in the brain, initiating a cellular reaction that induces a euphoric feeling, but one that may also cause an impairment of coordination, problem solving, and memory skills. Long-term use will lead to a strong habituation approaching addiction.

Recreational use of cannabis may enhance the psychological state of the user, reinforcing upbeat behaviour, which can quickly transition to depression. Continued recreational use of the drug is popular because of the behavioural pattern of initial relaxation and cheerfulness.

Cocaine (Benzoylmethylecgonine, and derivatives including crack)

Cocaine is a crystalline alkaloid extracted from coco leaves, and sold on the illicit market as a powder that can be snorted, injected, or smoked. Crack cocaine is a purer form of the drug sold in “rocks” and usually smoked. All cocaine products are considered extremely addictive, and stimulative.

The intensity of the effects of cocaine include increased energy and mental alertness. The speed of onset depends on the method of use with direct injection being the fastest route. Snorting, which is used by many cocaine users, will eventually cause extreme damage to the nasal membranes and septum.

Cocaine acts by increasing levels of dopamine, a brain chemical associated with pleasure and movement, but with ongoing use, cocaine will cause changes in the brain function, and induce addiction. The physiological changes from cocaine use include constricted blood vessels, increased heart rate and blood pressure. Cocaine will depress the appetite, which in some cases can lead to serious malnutrition.

Any cocaine user can dramatically experience cardiac arrest, cerebrovascular emergencies, and respiratory collapse with no warning.

Amphetamines and Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine, like all amphetamines is a central nervous system stimulant. It is a white crystalline powder which can be taken orally, snorted, injected, or smoked. Like cocaine, it causes high levels of dopamine in the brain, producing a euphoric rush and surge of energy. Chronic use of any amphetamine derivative causes changes in brain function resulting in reduced motor skills and impaired verbal learning. Resultant brain tissue alteration will lead to emotional problems, and the drug is powerfully addictive up to one year after usage has been discontinued.

Resultant long-term health problems include extreme weight loss, insomnia, and erratic and violent behaviour. The attraction of amphetamines is the surge in energy, but the drawback is an accompanying sense of paranoia and hallucinations.

Opiates, Codones, and Heroin

The opium poppy is the original natural source of opiates, which are processed from the milk of the poppy seed, and then dried. Raw opium contains up to 25 different alkaloids, with morphine and codeine being the most important.

Opium and its derivatives were originally used as analgesics to control acute pain. Some derivatives, such as codeine, have a much lower activity level, and are used for moderate pain, cough suppressants, etc.

Newer opium derivatives include oxycodone (oxycontin). This class of opiates was developed in the hope they would be less addictive than heroin, and this has been true to an extent. Unfortunately, a multitude of prescriptions for oxycodone have made it available for abuse.

Many opiates are highly addictive, causing psychological and physiological problems, as well as a compulsive desire for constantly increased doses.

Phencyclydine Hydrochloride (Angeldust)

Angeldust is a powerful hallucinogenic usually taken orally or by inhalation. It is an entirely synthetic drug which produces a range of erratic effects covering a spectrum of behaviour which includes euphoria, paranoia, and extreme anxiety. The drug is disassociative, meaning that it produces a severe detachment from reality in terms of actions and perception, inducing a state which may lead to dire consequences.

Medical & Forensic Laboratory Results

The Accu-Metrics forensic drug test is a quantitative and optionally anonymous analysis for the presence of illicit drug metabolites in the core structure of human hair shafts. The drug abuse hair testing analysis meets US, FDA, and international testing standards. Analysis results will indicate a negative or positive for each drug tested. Results are available within 5 business days upon receipt of a sample.

In-vitro urine, saliva, and blood drug test detection is limited to the metabolic half life of drugs while in the body's system. Abstinence for several days prior to a drug test using these media can produce a negative result when in fact the individual has a history of drug abuse. Sample hair is obtained by cutting a lock from the back of the head at the root line. Since the average growth rate of hair is one half inch per month, one and a half inches of hair length would produce approximately a 90 day history of drug use. If required, a hair sample collection kit can include documentation for a legal chain of custody procedure. Applicants may also have samples taken on site at our facility.

Please contact Accu-Metrics for any additional information.

To schedule an appointment or to arrange to send samples for testing please click here.