Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Artesia, AZ

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, the hair offers a detection window for alcohol and drugs of approximately three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 hair strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, considered the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. The specimen should be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. By head hair, we mean scalp hair solely. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The processing of a drug test result in the laboratory comprises four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the sample's initial setup into the laboratory’s system, including confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry unprovided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be court-admissible. Samples suggesting positive results in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.

Should a sample indicate a positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for preparation in Extraction. This step extracts drugs from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening as the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection period.
• Challenge to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is exceedingly difficult, thus results are more reliable.
• Historical usage insight: It can illustrate a pattern of drug usage over time, not just recent ingestion.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Detection in hair usually requires 5-7 days post-drug usage.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically costlier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Artesia, AZ, surpasses urine testing by offering superior detection accuracy over traditional methods.
The advantage lies in its extended detection period, revealing drug use patterns that urine tests might miss.
Employers and professionals value the reliability and thoroughness of hair analysis, which provides a more complete assessment of substance use history compared to urine testing.

Extended Detection Window

In Artesia, AZ, hair follicle testing identifies drug use across an extended 90-day period, granting employers a detailed perspective on an individual’s substance history.
This prolonged detection window enables companies to make informed hiring decisions and maintain workplace safety by viewing a broader spectrum of past drug interactions.

Such a comprehensive approach is pivotal in understanding potential risks associated with substance misuse, promoting better decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle testing method in Artesia, AZ, provides a tamper-resistant solution, significantly diminishing the likelihood of sample adulteration.
This method ensures results that are both reliable and irrefutable.
Employers and legal systems benefit from such robust testing practices, trusting the integrity of the results obtained through hair testing, which maintains its status as a foolproof procedure against tampering attempts.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Enjoy the convenience of comprehensive testing with nationwide locations and local centers in Artesia, AZ.
Our expansive reach ensures swift and hassle-free access to reliable hair follicle drug testing services.

• Quick processing
• User-friendly facilities
• Consistent accessibility

Simple, Confidential Process

In Artesia, AZ, ordering, completing, and receiving hair follicle test results is a simple and confidential process.
Clients are assured a smooth experience, prioritizing privacy and ease of use throughout.

• Streamlined procedures
• Confidential testing
• Hassle-free result delivery

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering affordable pricing with swift turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Artesia, AZ, caters to companies of all sizes, delivering valuable services without compromising on quality.
The competitive rates and quick results ensure businesses of all scales receive great value while gaining peace of mind. Confidently manage company testing needs with reliable and budget-friendly solutions for comprehensive drug screening.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests in Artesia, AZ, are unparalleled. Hair testing provides exceptional accuracy in spotting substance use, making it a preferred choice among testing methods. Accuracy is crucial in ensuring dependable results, and hair follicle testing does not disappoint in this regard.
With quick processing times, individuals and companies can rely on this test for timely and precise results, reducing anxiety and ensuring integrity.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Artesia, AZ, gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing adherence to drug-free policies.
This method effectively reduces legal risks while enhancing workplace safety, ensuring compliance.
By incorporating thorough testing procedures, organizations can confidently enforce regulations, mitigating concerns surrounding employee substance abuse and its potential implications on productivity and security.

Drug Testing Near Artesia, AZ

Willcox, AZ

Bowie, AZ

Fort Thomas, AZ

Bonita-Klondyke, AZ

Glenbar, AZ

Bryce, AZ

Central, AZ

Tanque, AZ

Thatcher, AZ

San Jose, AZ

Safford, AZ

Solomon, AZ

Cactus Flat, AZ

Cactus Flats, AZ

Swift Trail Junction, AZ

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews