Do All Trucking Companies Do Hair Follicle Drug Tests?

If you’re thinking of getting a job in the trucking industry, you might be wondering if trucking companies require hair follicle tests. Hair follicle tests are a type of drug test that can detect drug use over a longer period than traditional urine tests. In recent years, some trucking companies have started to use hair follicle tests in addition to or instead of urine tests.

Hair Follicle Drug Tests?

Hair follicle drug tests are a type of drug test that uses a small sample of hair to detect drug use. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests can detect drug use over a longer period. Urine tests can only detect drug use for a few days or weeks, while hair follicle tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days.

How Do Hair Follicle Tests Work?

Hair follicle tests work by analyzing the drug metabolites that are present in the hair shaft. When you use drugs, the drug metabolites enter your bloodstream and are carried to your hair follicles. As your hair grows, the drug metabolites are deposited in the hair shaft. By analyzing a small sample of your hair, a hair follicle test can detect the presence of these drug metabolites.

Do All Trucking Companies Do Hair Follicle Tests?

No, not all trucking companies do hair follicle tests. However, the number of trucking companies that are using hair follicle tests is increasing. In 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that it would allow trucking companies to use hair follicle tests as an alternative to urine tests. This change in policy is expected to lead to an increase in the number of trucking companies that use hair follicle tests.

Why Do Some Trucking Companies Use Hair Follicle Tests?

Trucking companies use hair follicle tests for a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons is safety. Drug use among truck drivers can lead to accidents on the road, which can have serious consequences. By using hair follicle tests, trucking companies can screen out drivers who have used drugs in the past 90 days. This can help to ensure that their drivers are sober and alert when they’re on the road.

Another reason why some trucking companies use hair follicle tests is to comply with insurance requirements. Some insurance companies require trucking companies to use hair follicle tests as a condition of coverage. By using hair follicle tests, trucking companies can ensure that they meet these requirements.

How Do You Prepare for a Hair Follicle Test?

If you’re going to be taking a hair follicle test, there are a few things you can do to prepare. First, make sure that your hair is at least 1.5 inches long. The test requires a sample of hair that is 1.5 inches long, so if your hair is shorter than that, you’ll need to wait until it grows out.

Second, avoid using drugs in the 90 days leading up to the test. As we’ve mentioned, hair follicle tests can detect drug use over a longer period than urine tests. If you’ve used drugs in the past 90 days, there’s a good chance that the test will detect it.

Finally, make sure that you’re well-hydrated before the test. This can help to make sure that you produce enough hair for the test.

FAQs

Q: Can you pass a hair follicle test if you use drugs?

A: No, if you’ve used drugs in the past 90 days, there’s a good chance that the test will detect it. Hair follicle tests are very sensitive and can detect even small amounts of drug metabolites in the hair shaft.

Q: How long does it take to get the results of a hair follicle test?

A: The results of a hair follicle test can take several days to several weeks to come back. The exact timeframe will depend on the lab that is processing the test and the complexity of the test.

Q: Can you cheat a hair follicle test?

A: It’s very difficult to cheat a hair follicle test. Shaving your head or using hair bleach won’t work, as the test can still detect drug metabolites in the hair shaft. There are some products on the market that claim to help you pass a hair follicle test, but these products are generally ineffective and may even be dangerous.

Q: Are hair follicle tests more expensive than urine tests?

A: Yes, hair follicle tests are generally more expensive than urine tests. However, some trucking companies may choose to use hair follicle tests instead of urine tests because they are more accurate and can detect drug use over a longer period.

Q: Do all states allow trucking companies to use hair follicle tests?

A: Yes, all states allow trucking companies to use hair follicle tests. The U.S. Department of Transportation has approved hair follicle tests as an alternative to urine tests, so trucking companies can use them in all states.

Conclusion

In conclusion, not all trucking companies do hair follicle tests, but the number of companies that use them is increasing. Hair follicle tests are a type of drug test that can detect drug use over a longer period than traditional urine tests. Trucking companies use hair follicle tests for safety and insurance compliance reasons.

If you’re going to be taking a hair follicle test, make sure that your hair is at least 1.5 inches long, avoid using drugs in the 90 days leading up to the test, and make sure that you’re well-hydrated before the test. While it’s difficult to cheat a hair follicle test, there are some products on the market that claim to help you pass. However, these products are generally ineffective and may even be dangerous.