Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Ganado, AZ

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is widely recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair offers a long-lasting record of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the ideal sample for assessment and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels above 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. In the context of head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types such as facial, axillary, etc.

Process Overview

There are four primary phases involved in lab processing of a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the initial processing of a sample into a lab's system. This process includes ensuring that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any other data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening refers to a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result needs verification to be usable in a legal context. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require a further confirmation test.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods such as urine or oral fluid, which is why hair drug testing is considered the most challenging technique to perform.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary before confirmation. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and 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, while urine tests have a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: It is very challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical usage data: It provides a record of drug use over time, instead of merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to be detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally cost more than other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Ganado, AZ, hair follicle testing stands out against urine testing due to its superior detection reliability. Urine tests are frequently manipulated or adulterated, whereas hair follicle methods provide a tamper-proof means of ensuring accurate results.

Unlike urine counterparts, hair tests capture a comprehensive history of substance use, making them especially valuable in assessing long-term behaviors. Their higher accuracy and resistance to cheating make hair follicle testing a preferred choice for employers and professionals.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle tests in Ganado, AZ offer an unparalleled detection window, capturing up to 90 days of drug use history. This feature allows employers to obtain a comprehensive view of an individual’s past substance habits beyond recent activities.

In comparison to other testing methods, the ability of hair follicle tests to reveal extended use patterns provides substantial advantage. This thorough detection capability helps employers make well-informed decisions regarding their applicants or employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle drug testing in Ganado, AZ is notable for its resistance to tampering. Unlike urine tests, which can be diluted or adulterated, hair samples are inherently difficult to manipulate.

This robust testing method assures businesses and institutions of reliable, unquestionable results. In high-risk environments, this reliability can be a deciding factor, providing confidence in assessments and reducing the risks of erroneous readings.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

The accessibility of testing locations in Ganado, AZ simplifies the drug testing process for businesses and individuals. Accredited Drug Testing offers nationwide services, ensuring all clients can quickly access locations nearby when needed.

Local testing convenience means less disruption for employees and employers and a seamless transition to accurate evaluation procedures, guaranteeing both efficient and effective testing experiences.

Simple, Confidential Process

Accredited Drug Testing in Ganado, AZ streamlines the drug testing journey with a straightforward and confidential process. Ordering and receiving results is hassle-free, easing concerns about privacy.

Simplicity and confidentiality define our procedures, ensuring each step, from scheduling tests to obtaining outcomes, is as effortless and discreet as possible for all parties involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Ganado, AZ clients benefit from Accredited Drug Testing’s competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. Affordable testing solutions are crucial for businesses of varying sizes, offering exceptional value for investment.

Our efficient processes ensure swift result delivery, minimizing delays and providing companies with quick insights, which in turn supports timely and strategic decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Employers in Ganado, AZ can trust hair follicle testing for its speed and accuracy. This method ensures the swift detection of substances, offering a high degree of precision in results. The reliability of hair testing means employers aren't left waiting for answers, making informed decisions easier and quicker.

Hair tests boast an impressive ability to accurately identify drug use timeframes. Compared to traditional methods, they're less prone to errors, which makes them an ideal choice for those seeking accurate substance detection in a timely manner.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Ganado, AZ gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing ensuring compliance with workplace drug policies. Implementing these tests reduces legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety.

By choosing hair testing, companies demonstrate a commitment to maintaining drug-free environments, effectively protecting employees and upholding safety standards essential for smooth operations and regulatory compliance.

Drug Testing Near Ganado, AZ

Saint Michaels, AZ

Toyei, AZ

Greasewood, AZ

Wide Ruins, AZ

Steamboat, AZ

Klagetoh, AZ

Nazlini, AZ

Cornfields, AZ

Burnside, 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