How are urine drug tests and hair follicle tests related?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am trying to figure out the conversation between levels on a urine drug test and a hair follicle test. For example, urine test: 505 ng/ml. THCA. Hair test: 5.95 pg/mg THCA. If there were 32.6 ng/ml of cocaine metabolite detected in a urine test, how might that show in a hair drug test? There seems to be a correlation between the THCA levels, but I cannot figure out what the connection might be.
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
In the urine, the metabolites are detected as it is directly coming out from the blood. I mean, it gives a day-to-day excretion of the metabolite that is directly proportional to the amount of the specific drug or metabolite in the blood. Whereas, the metabolites or drugs in the hair tell the history of any drug or chemical usage.
As we know, the growth of hair is very minimal daily. Certain chemicals or drugs or metabolites can get accumulated in the hair on a long-term basis. So, if we could find the THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) in hair, it would be telling the past blood concentration or usage of the THCA. Thus, the hair value may not usually be proportional to urine values.
I hope I have answered.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions
Drug-Induced Gynecomastia - Diagnosis and Treatment
Can I take any medicine to lose weight fast?
Since we started trying to conceive, my menstrual cycle has gotten longer. Why?
Is it safe to use Minoxidil continuously for male pattern baldness?
My HSV 1 and 2 IgG is 3.5. What should I do?
Passed a large number of clots on my regular period. Could it be a miscarriage?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.