FAQ

The answer depends on which drug; type of specimen; each person’s own metabolism; drug concentration and/or dosage; how often the drug was used; and the sensitivity of the testing procedure.

Hair:

Drugs stay in the hair, so detection is dependent on the length submitted for testing.  A standard hair drug test is 1 ½”, or 90 days

Nails:

This includes Nail Clippings (from the tips of the nails) and Nail Shavings/Scrapings (from the surface of the nail).  Nail clippings yield an approximate thirty (30) day timeframe, six (6) months prior to collection.  Nail clippings and shavings yield up to a six (6) month timeframe

Urine:

May allow detection for several days, sometimes even more than a week.  However, urine analysis does not generally permit any toxicological evaluation of drug impairment, merely drug use.

The nails of either all ten (10) fingernails or all ten (10) toenails will be collected.  The collector will also file the surface of the donor’s nails over the aluminum packet contained in the collection kit.  Both the clippings and shavings will be submitted to the laboratory for testing

It is very difficult to adulterate hair.  Donors attempt to adulterate this type of sample by dying or bleaching their hair in an attempt to pull the drugs out of it.  Some even try special shampoos that claim they will rid the drugs from their hair.  These attempts may reduce the level of drugs detected; however, in most cases, it does not fully remove the drugs from the hair.

Every one-half inch (1/2”) of head hair is approximately equivalent to a thirty (30) day timeframe.  Body hair yields an approximate six (6) month timeframe. A standard hair test is 1 ½”, or 90 days, though longer time periods can be tested, depending on the length of the hair.

The PharmChek® patch is a collection device designed to retain evidence of drug use for an extended period. It can detect use 24-48 hours before the application of the patch, during the wearing of the patch, or both.

Allergic reactions do happen, but they are extremely rare. 3M, the maker of Tegaderm used in the manufacturing of the Sweat Patch states that less than 1% of the population is allergic to Tegaderm.

Furthermore, any individual truly allergic to Tegaderm is allergic to the surgical adhesive, not the film, and would be allergic to ALL surgical adhesives. This includes Band-Aids.

Tegaderm is a hypoallergenic material used as a wound dressing to cover catheter and IV sites of individuals in hospitals, and widely used within the medical field.

You need to call our office immediately. You may need to come back into our office so we can inspect the patch. DO NOT attempt to remove the patch for ANY reason and do not apply tape over it to keep it in place.