Category: How to pass

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• Cocaine: It’s Running All Around Your Brain

  Posted on April 19th, 2011 How to pass

  There it was just sitting on the table. A line of cocaine and in a weak moment you snorted it.  You didn’t have a care in the world until you got to work on Monday and they told you that you were going to have to take a drug screen test.  Well, you thought, “I’ll just take a detox drink or some detox pills and I can pass no problem”.  That’s when your boss told you that it would be a hair test.  What to do now?  Cocaine metabolites can start to appear in your hair beginning as little as 8 hours after use to up to 4 to 5 days after use and can stay in the hair indefinitely until the hair is cut.

  Hair tests are becoming more and more common in pre-employment and workplace drug screening.  This is because the hair test can go back as far as three months to see how naughty you’ve been.  When submitting samples for a hair test, follicles are most often gathered from the scalp.  Generally these are taken from the back of the head because this is where the most active growing region is.  In order to get an adequate sample approximately 100 strands of hair are taken.  The hair is cut as close to the scalp as possible.  The root end of the hair bundles are then aligned closely so that they can be accurately analyzed in the same time-line segments.  Your hair is then typically cut into one centimeter segments that represent approximately a one month time frame.  This will give the lab a correlation of what you ingested in what time frame.  Most hair tests cover approximately three months which would be about one and one half inches of hair since the average rate of hair growth is one half inch per month.  The sample is then washed to remove any oils or cosmetics.

  Hair may be externally contaminated with cocaine but this type of contamination is usually checked for in the lab before proceeding with the hair test.  Hair tests analyze the contaminants inside the hair follicle so any external contaminants will have no effect on the results.  Body hair may be substituted for head hair if there is not enough hair on the subjects head for a proper sample.  Body hair has a different growth pattern than head hair so the time frame is up to one year when body hair is used for analysis.  If a subject has little or no hair at all including body hair then an in depth complete urine/adulteration testing method may be used.

  So before you go decide to dabble with the Devil’s dandruff again think twice of the consequences or get yourself a good detox shampoo to rid yourself of the toxins that can remain in your hair long after the nose candy wears off.

• Cocaine – how it came to be Part 1

  Posted on April 18th, 2011 How to pass

  Not too many people would be surprised if they heard today that Coca-Cola drink used to contain the actual cocaine as the main ingredient long-long time ago. But how much exactly do we know about the history of cocaine altogether?

  Centuries ago the natives of Andes Mountains in South America discovered that chewing on a cocoa leaf produces a mild, stimulating feeling. Up until today it remains a rather popular “treat” in that area.

  In the rest of the world it became known in 1855 – this is when cocaine was first synthesized by scientist of that era. A bit later on – in 1880 – medics started to recognize the effects of this substance and the word spread around. Among famous doctors to advocate this drug was young Sigmund Freud – he claimed that cocaine can be used as tonic that cures depression and sexual impotency. Later on in his career Freud found other remedies, but at that time cocaine got his attention and was highly promoted since safety of the drug was not an issue then.

  The popularity of cocaine grew when John Pemberton decided to use this “magic” substance in a soft drink named Coca Cola. This soft drink was easily accessible by public and back in 1886 the tonic produced euphoric and energizing effects on anyone who consumed it. Needless to say, cocaine ingredient was the booster for sales of the drink and basically made Coca Cola the most popular soft drink ever. Of course, later on the main component was removed from the ingredient list, but the popularity still stays.

• What’s In My Hair?! Part 17 DMDM Hydantoin

  Posted on April 15th, 2011 How to pass

  DMDM Hydantoin is used primarily as a preservative in cosmetics. It breaks down and releases formaldehyde which makes the environment of the final product far less suitable to micro-organisms which can not only make the product go bad faster, but can also cause problems for you if you continue to use an organic product that has no chemical preservatives in it as micro-organisms can be bad for your health.

  While this particular chemical agent is deemed acceptable for use and safe for a majority of the population, there are those among us who have skin sensitivity higher than normal to formaldehyde, so if you know that you are among the populous that is sensitive to this ingredient, please be careful when using any Detox Shampoos or Purifiers.

  The use of a strong chemical preservative in our products is very important, even if it isn’t something that we’re going to ingest. Because of DMDM Hydantoin being used in our skin care products they don’t form molds and mildews which can be far more hazardous than the original chemical to our bodies and skin.

  There are many different names for this product, and we cannot list them all because companies are constantly changing how they list certain chemicals based on the percentage rate of the chemical within the final product. If they use above a certain level they have to call it something else.

  DMDM Hydantoin is a broad spectrum preservative, which is why it is found in so many different skin and beauty care products. It fights off many different micro-organisms, as opposed to only one or two kinds.

• Why Does Marijuana Stay in Your System So Long?

  Posted on April 14th, 2011 How to pass

  This is the question that I get asked most frequently.  Why does marijuana stay in your system longer than the stoners who wander around in the parking lot long after the concert has ended?  Well the answer is not that complex.  Marijuana is a natural substance not a man-made substance.  Your body doesn’t reject it like it would reject a manufactured substance.  The residue from marijuana is a sticky substance that adheres to your lungs after you have inhaled it.  This residue takes a long time for your body to break it down and is released into your bloodstream at a slow pace. 

  How long marijuana stays in the body system depends on the individual and the potency and amount of marijuana taken. You should therefore start by getting a Home Drug Test Kit to determine how long the drug stays in your own body system. If you know how long it stays in your body, you will know when to stop smoking pot before an upcoming test. You can also flush THC out of your system ahead of the test by drinking plenty of water and urinating as frequently as possible.
  THC are stored in fat cells. Engaging in physical exercise while flushing your system will help burn some fat and release much more THC into your blood system and subsequently into your urine to be flushed out of the body before the test. The burning of fat should however stop well ahead of the time for the test so as not release THC metabolites without having the time to flush them out.

  There are many mitigating factors involved in how fast these THC metabolites are expelled from the human body.  Everyone has a different metabolism so how fast you break things down has a lot to do with how fast the THC leaves your system.  Your body weight is also a key factor.  The heavier a person is then the more fat cells they have.  Hence, it will take longer for their body to get rid of the THC metabolites.  Another factor to the length of time marijuana stays in your system is the frequency of your usage.  If you constantly smoke, you are not allowing your body to process the metabolites out of your system so they are piling up like leaves falling to the ground in the fall.  The potency of the marijuana also has an effect on the length of time it stays in your body.  If you lead a sedentary life with little or no exercise you are not burning fat cells quickly so it will take longer for your body to get rid of the THC than if you exercise regularly and burn fat.

  A common misconception is that if you drink a lot of water you will expel the THC metabolites quickly through your urine.  This is false.  Fat cells are not water soluble so you will just be going to the bathroom a lot with very little reduction in the amount of THC in your body.  This will result in some reduction but it will only reduce the levels of THC that hasn’t found its way into your fat cells yet.  You eventually will rid yourself of THC through excretions of urine, sweat or saliva but it takes time.

• Help! They told me my sample was diluted! Part 2

  Posted on April 13th, 2011 How to pass

  Marijuana is a fat-soluble drug. When you smoke pot the metabolites from the marijuana that are left behind become attached to your fat cells.  Since your fat cells are not water soluble, water will not break them down to release the metabolites into your urinary tract so that your body can dispose of them.  By drinking a large amount of water right before her drug test, this woman reduced the concentration of the marijuana metabolites in her urine.  This is called internal dilution.  When you add water to a specimen in the cup this will also result in a diluted sample and you may have to be retested or your employer may assess this as a failed test.

  Another fact that is good to know – there is a natural substance in your urine called creatinine.  One of the parameters for a urinalysis is the level of creatinine in your urine sample.  Drinking too much water will lower the creatinine level and trigger the test to show a result of a diluted sample.  A diluted sample will have a creatinine level that is less than 20 g/dl and a specific gravity of 1.003 or less.   So I told the woman not to worry.  She could get either a detox drink or detox capsules that will help her pass her retest.  She seemed very relieved and said next time she will not take just anyone’s advice on how to pass a drug test, but will do more research about what to do.

• What’s In My Hair?! Part 16 Triethanolamine

  Posted on April 12th, 2011 How to pass

  Triethanolamine is an  organic chemical compound that is often found abbreviated as TEA. The primary uses of Triethanolamine are as an emulsifier and surfactant. An emulsifier is a chemical that when added to a formula stops chemicals that don’t normally mix, from separating. The use of an emulsifier would bring even oil and water together if you found the right one. A surfactant is a chemical agent that prevents liquids like water from being so tightly bound, it encourages the liquid to spread out and cover far more surface area that it might on its own.

  Another very useful attribute of this chemical is that it can be used to balance the PH of a cosmetics product, making a product that contains things like alcohol and other acidic cleansers into a softer more easy to handle product that won’t irritate the skin as easily. Despite the fact that it is listed as an irritant itself, when used in combination with more acidic products they balance each other out and make the final product far more helpful to your skin or hair (however it is being used) so long as the use of the final product is not continuous over a long period of time.

  In it’s natural state Triethanolamine is a clear viscous (thick) liquid that smells faintly like ammonia. In studies it has shown to be a mild irritant and there are many limitations on its uses and the amount being used at any given time. It is a small percentage (usually less than 1%) that is allowed in any skin care formula because long-term exposure has been shown to have side-effects. But in the one time use of a Detox Shampoo there are no worries.

• Momma Said Eat Your Vegetables

  Posted on April 11th, 2011 How to pass

  Do you remember your mother telling you to eat all your vegetables?  Vegetables give you strength and provide some necessary vitamins that are essential to good health.  There are also vegetables that help your body maintain a healthy liver.  Your liver is the detoxifier for your body.  Without a properly functioning liver, toxins can build up in your body to dangerous levels.

  Of all of the human organs, your liver is one of the most important.  Your liver controls your metabolism and in turn determines how well your digestive system operates.  It stores sugars, minerals and vitamins necessary for other organs to operate effectively and also cleanses your blood through detoxifying the poisons out of your system.  Your liver is the largest gland in your body and eating foods high in antioxidants will help optimize your liver’s performance by cleansing the effects that free radicals have on the liver.

  Vegetable that are rich in beta carotene like beets and carrots help with the detoxification process and protect against liver disease.  Garlic is rich in antioxidants so it also is very helpful in maintaining a healthy liver because it helps the body get rid of mercury and certain food additives.  Artichokes help to increase bile production which helps remove toxins through the bowels. Drinking freshly squeezed lemons in a cup of hot water each day is a good way to detoxify your liver.

  Foods that are rich in Vitamins B, C and E are also helpful for your liver.  Broccoli, spinach and brown rice contain B vitamins.  Tomatoes, mustard greens, peppers, and brussel sprouts are good sources of vitamin C.  Almonds, avocado, asparagus and tomatoes are rich in vitamin E.  Vitamin B12 helps metabolize fat which also helps liver function.  Fish, eggs, meat and milk contain Vitamin B12.

  Foods that are high in fiber are also good for your liver.  These include rice and whole grain breads which help with digestion. Romaine lettuce, cabbage and cauliflower are also good for cleansing the liver.  Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as sardines, tuna, and salmon are very good for your liver.  For maintaining a healthy liver you should avoid foods that are high in alcohol or caffeine.  Foods that are high in saturated animal fats like hamburgers are not good because they increase the levels of a liver enzyme called alanine aminotransferase, or ALT.  A high level of this enzyme is a sign of liver damage.  If your liver is functioning poorly then it could result in headaches, allergies, bad breath, skin problems, weight gain and lack of energy. Be kind to your liver and it will be kind to you.

• Help! They told me my sample was diluted! Part 1

  Posted on April 8th, 2011 How to pass

  Here at customer service we do the best we can to help our clients.

  Recently I received a phone call and the girl on the phone was frantic.  She was speaking very fast and from what I could understand her employer had made her take a drug screen test the other day and today they called her to the office and told her that her sample came back diluted and they wanted to retest her as soon as possible.

  “How could this be?” she said.  We went through the standard questions – I asked her how long had she been smoking marijuana, and she said that she had been a steady smoker for about five years.  Then I asked her if she drank a lot of water before she went to take her drug test.  She said “Yes, I did! How did you know? My friend’s sister’s husband’s brother’s wife told me that if I drink a lot of water that this will flush all of the marijuana out of my system and I will be able to pass a drug test with no problems!”

  Well, this was her first mistake.  First of all, you should not believe everything that you hear.  It was not this woman’s job that was on the line; so thankfully, she did not have much at stake.  Water will do very little to get the marijuana metabolites out of your system.  It will only make you go to the bathroom a lot which will flush out whatever is already in your urinary tract, but also will make the urine itself quite “watery,” or diluted.

  To be continued…

• What’s In My Hair?! Part 15 Carbomer

  Posted on April 7th, 2011 How to pass

  Carbomer is a term most often used to describe a series of polymers – or plastics – made from acrylic acid. Most Carbomers are white fluffy powders used in cosmetics for their thickening, suspending, dispersing, and emulsifying agents. They are capable of absorbing and retaining water so that they swell to many times their normal size like a balloon being blown up.

  The reason you can find Carbomers in cosmetic products is because of its most valuable attribute, the ability to suspend an insoluble solid in a liquid. What this means is that the use of a Carbomer helps to combine two very different chemicals that would otherwise not mix at all, like oil and water. In fact, the use of the Carbomer helps to prevent any given cosmetic from separating back into its original form of separate oil and water properties. This is because the molecule of a Carbomer is netlike in its ability to place molecules of oil and water right next to each and keep them from separating again.

  Carbomers have been known in small concentrations to cause a minor skin irritation, and eye irritation when directly exposed, and after ingestion of small quantities a minor toxicity causing stomach discomfort. However, on their own, when mixed with water to form a thick gel they are stable and non-toxic and help to prevent spoilage or expiration in the product they are added to.

  Because the use of a Carbomer in a cosmetics product make it a thicker solution than it might normally be the result is a luxurious feeling on the skin because of the high moisture content. Manufacturer’s like to use them because of this, and because the cost of making Carbomer and its use is very low.

• What Exactly is a Metabolite?

  Posted on April 6th, 2011 How to pass

  That is a good question!  When we are faced with taking a drug test we often hear the word metabolite used.  Your metabolism is how your body processes the things that you ingest.  A metabolite is a byproduct of your metabolism.  When referring to a metabolite it is often used in the context of your body breaking down some type of medication or drug.  Drug metabolism usually occurs in the liver.  The liver contains enzymes which chemically change the components of the drugs into metabolites.  The metabolites are then linked to other substances for dispersal through the lungs or through bodily fluids like saliva, urine, sweat or even breast milk.  Some are even reabsorbed by your intestines.  Most metabolites travel through the kidneys before they are expelled from the body.  Metabolites from marijuana usage will stay in your system longer than other drugs because marijuana is a natural substance and your body doesn’t reject it like it would a man-made substance.  The marijuana metabolites are stored in your fat cells long after the effects of the marijuana wear off.  The residue from marijuana smoke is sticky and adheres to the lungs when you inhale the marijuana smoke so the resin is released into the bloodstream at a slower pace than substances that you swallow.  Each and every person has a different metabolism so the rates at which people metabolize drugs vary from person to person.  Genetics, age, nutrition and environment are also factors that play into how fast each individual metabolizes different substances.