Monday, January 10, 2011

Methods of Marijuana Drug Testing

Marijuana drug testing is performed to detect the presence of THC or its metabolites in the consumed person. Marijuana in an individual can be detected for a month or longer. The time that marijuana stays in the body varies based on certain factors including age, health, metabolism, and concentration of marijuana consumed. Marijuana drug testing can be done in different types that include urine test, blood test, saliva test, sweat test and hair test.

Urine Test:
The urine test is performed to detect 11-nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9 carboxylic acid (9-carboxy-THC) which is a metabolite of THC. Certain cut-off values for the drug are given by the regulatory organizations. The accepted cut-off value in urine for THC metabolites is 50ng/ml. If the concentration of the metabolites is greater than 50ng/ml then the test is resulted positive. The urine drug test that is conducted to detect marijuana is termed as urinalysis.

Blood Test:
Blood test is the most common type used for detecting the drug. The concentration of the drug in blood can be known even it is consumed an hour before the test is performed. This method gives an accurate measurement of the drug. The blood tests for marijuana are performed in cases such as autopsy, road traffic accidents, and intoxication.

Saliva Test:
Saliva test is an easiest way of marijuana drug tests but is more expensive when compared to urine and blood tests. This method gives accurate and quick results. The advantage of saliva test is that it can detect the drug that is consumed most recently. Also more amount of the drug, instead of its metabolites, is detected through saliva tests. .

Hair Test:
Hair test can be conducted to detect THC. The compound gets deposited in the hair shafts after passing through the blood vessels in the scalp. So even a small part of the hair shaft can be used for marijuana drug testing. Using this method the drug can be detected even after 90 days of the drug consumption.

Sweat Test:
Sweat test is performed by applying a patch on the skin for 10 to 14 days. Later it is sent to the laboratory for testing. The patch can detect marijuana that is consumed even before hours of performing the test.


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