Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Union, AL

What it is, How it works

Hair tests have gained recognition as a potent means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands. When extracted from close to the scalp, hair samples can indicate drug and alcohol presence over roughly a 3-month span. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is somewhat challenging, and shipment is uncomplicated.

A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands, akin to the diameter of a #2 pencil, nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screenings and confirmations. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for precise specimen measurement. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When we mention head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab processing of a drug test result is divided into four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning means the sample's initial integration into a lab's system. It encompasses confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any lacking data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a swift initial test for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use on most samples, confirmation of a positive screening is necessary for court admissibility. Samples testing positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.

If a sample indicates a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the starting specimen for preparation for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are separated from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method.

Confirmation of any screen-positive result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug assessments uncover drug use up to 90 days, while urine tests detect for a briefer duration.
• Hard to manipulate: It is notably tough to deceive a hair drug test, leading to more reliable outcomes.
• Shows historical usage: Allows for tracking drug use patterns over time, beyond recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually assess the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Union, AL, hair follicle tests offer distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. While urine tests only detect recent drug use, hair tests provide a broader detection window, capturing substance use history over months. This longer detection period is a decisive factor for employers enforcing strict drug policies.

The accuracy and reliability of hair testing surpass that of urine tests. Hair captures traces of drugs in a manner that makes tampering nearly impossible. Employers, courts, and rehab programs in Union, AL prefer this superior method for its dependable results and enhanced detection capability.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Union, AL, allows for a significantly extended detection window, tracking substance use over a 90-day period. This capability offers employers a complete insight into an individual's drug use, unlike shorter-range urine tests which only provide a limited look back.

By utilizing this testing method, Union, AL organizations can ensure a comprehensive review of a potential hire's drug history. This long detection span aids employers in maintaining drug-free workplaces, providing them the assurance that employees adhere to substance policies over time.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Union, AL, stands out due to its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other methods, this process drastically reduces the risk of sample adulteration, providing results that are both reliable and indisputable.

Through rigorous sample collection and analysis, hair tests reduce the chance of manipulation. Union, AL trusts this method to ensure the authenticity of results, supporting employers and legal bodies with data that they can confidently rely on in drug testing scenarios.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient testing solutions with its nationwide network of centers, including local sites in Union, AL. This accessibility ensures that individuals and businesses can access services quickly and efficiently, minimizing disruption to their schedules.

Whether you are an employer or an individual, our testing locations in Union, AL make it easy to obtain reliable drug testing services without hassle. With our national reach and local availability, testing is made simple and stress-free.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Union, AL, is both simple and confidential. From scheduling tests to receiving results, our procedures prioritize ease of use while safeguarding your privacy at every stage.

In Union, AL, participants experience a streamlined approach that handles all aspects discreetly. With a focus on confidentiality and simplicity, clients can trust the process while feeling secure about their personal information.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our services in Union, AL, boast affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, offering excellent value to companies of all sizes. This commitment to competitiveness ensures that businesses can implement cost-effective drug testing without sacrificing quality.

With a focus on delivering results efficiently, Union, AL companies benefit from both financial savings and the reassurance of timely data. Our pricing structure and quick service demonstrate a dedication to supporting corporate needs effectively.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results to individuals and organizations in Union, AL. The tests boast high levels of precision, efficiently identifying substance use with remarkable accuracy. Employers and authorities favor these tests for their ability to deliver swift outcomes, ensuring timely decision-making processes.

The speed and accuracy of hair follicle tests make them a go-to choice for those needing dependable results. Whether it's for pre-employment screening or legal purposes, Union, AL trusts these tests for their capability to detect even minimal traces of drug use with assurance and exactness.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind for employers in Union, AL. With its rigorous standards and long detection window, companies can confidently enforce drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks associated with substance abuse.

Employers in Union, AL can rely on these tests to maintain safety standards. By integrating hair tests within their drug policy frameworks, companies adhere to regulatory requirements and protect their workforce from the impacts of drug use.

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What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.

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