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Can A Chin Hair Be Used As A Sample For Drug Test?

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Posted on Mon, 4 Apr 2016
Question: I had a hair test today. the hair was from my chin hair and it was about a 1/4 of an inch long. can it be tested accurately.
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Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yes,it can be used but only to provide an insight on the last 15 days or so

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. The usual length of hair collected for a drug test (if that is the purpose of the sample provided by you) is about 1.5 inches long.

The hair sample should be cut from as close to the skin as possible (as that is the most recent part), and so the part closest to the skin is the part that is going to be tested.

0.5 inches represents 30 days, and so the usual size of the hair sample taken is about 1.5 inches to test for the last 90 days (3 months approximately). The sample collected in your case would only provide most recent information (approximately the last 15 days or so). But yes, it can be used for the test, just that the information provided will be only for the last 15 days or so, not more.

I hope I have explained things in a manner best understood by you. Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

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Can A Chin Hair Be Used As A Sample For Drug Test?

Brief Answer: Yes,it can be used but only to provide an insight on the last 15 days or so Detailed Answer: Hello sir and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. The usual length of hair collected for a drug test (if that is the purpose of the sample provided by you) is about 1.5 inches long. The hair sample should be cut from as close to the skin as possible (as that is the most recent part), and so the part closest to the skin is the part that is going to be tested. 0.5 inches represents 30 days, and so the usual size of the hair sample taken is about 1.5 inches to test for the last 90 days (3 months approximately). The sample collected in your case would only provide most recent information (approximately the last 15 days or so). But yes, it can be used for the test, just that the information provided will be only for the last 15 days or so, not more. I hope I have explained things in a manner best understood by you. Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help. Best wishes.