Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lupton, AZ

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying substance use. Hair strands keep a prolonged record of drugs and alcohol by capturing biomarkers within the fiber as it grows. When collected from near the scalp, hair provides a detection window of up to approximately 90 days for substances. The collection of hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands, equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil, and closest to the scalp is needed to yield 100mg for accurate screening and confirmation. For EtG tests and other extended panels exceeding 10 drugs, a sample of 150mg is ideal. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample weight. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. Reference to head hair is strictly regarding scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types such as facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The laboratory analysis of a drug test result involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial input of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step checks that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any non-digitally provided data entry not covered by the electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial assessment for potential drug use. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to eliminate the majority of non-users, any positive indications must undergo confirmation for judicial admissibility. Presumed positive results from Screening necessitate verification via secondary confirmation.

In cases where a sample returns positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. This step retrieves drugs present in hair at much lower concentrations than observed in alternative techniques like urine or oral fluid tests, which makes hair testing the most complex method to execute.

Confirmation of a positive screening is achieved through methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumed positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the accreditation standards of ISO / IEC 17025.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine testing which offers a shorter duration of detection.
• Resistance to tampering: The difficulty in falsifying a hair drug test ensures more reliable results.
• Captures long-term use: Hair tests offer a timeline of drug use over time, not just recent activity.

Drawbacks:

• Cannot identify recent usage: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be more costly compared to other testing methods.
• Result fluctuations: Hair color and individual hair growth differences can impact drug metabolite concentrations.

Note: Typically called "hair follicle tests", the examination is on the hair strand itself, not the follicle embedded under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lupton, AZ: For detecting drug use, hair follicle tests outperform traditional urine tests. Hair testing identifies substance use over a prolonged period with more accuracy. In contrast, urine tests are largely limited by their shorter detection windows and susceptibility to tampering.

Hair tests provide a more robust evaluation, making them preferred for comprehensive drug use insights. The increased accuracy and reliability ensure informed decision-making for employers and agencies requiring precise test outcomes.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Lupton, AZ: Hair follicle testing stands out for its capacity to uncover drug use over an extended timeframe, up to 90 days. This expansive detection window surpasses that of standard urine tests, offering a more thorough perspective on an individual's substance history.

Employers gain comprehensive insights into the long-term substance habits of applicants or employees. This comprehensive view enables more informed decisions regarding hiring, retention, and workplace safety, fostering a drug-free environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lupton, AZ: Hair follicle tests provide a substantial advantage by significantly mitigating risks of sample adulteration. The process of collecting hair samples is inherently more secure, producing results that are reliable and difficult to dispute.

This method assures employers and stakeholders of the authenticity of results, reducing doubts about specimen manipulation or contamination. Consequently, organizations uphold rigorous standards needed for maintaining a credible drug testing program.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lupton, AZ: Accredited Drug Testing provides testing centers nationwide, including local options, ensuring easy access for companies and individuals seeking testing services.

The extensive network means quick and hassle-free access wherever you are, reducing downtime and making the process from scheduling to completion more manageable. This convenience aids businesses in maintaining efficient operational continuity without sacrificing the need for thorough testing.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Lupton, AZ: The hair follicle testing procedure is straightforward and maintains confidentiality from order to results. Users can trust the privacy of the process, putting them at ease when engaging in drug testing services.

Confidentiality is paramount, and our streamlined approach ensures sensitive information remains protected. This user-friendly service supports a seamless experience, reflecting our commitment to discretion and customer satisfaction.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lupton, AZ: Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and swift delivery of hair follicle drug test results, providing great value without compromising quality.

Our attractive pricing models and prompt service delivery cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring they receive excellent service and substantial benefits. Quick turnaround times allow for seamless operation, facilitating sound business decisions and promoting trust in our services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests in Lupton, AZ, set them apart. These tests deliver highly accurate results, detecting substances with greater reliability than most traditional methods. This ensures that stakeholders receive trustworthy data quickly, vital for timely decision-making.

Employers benefit significantly from the fast turnaround time of hair testing results. This quick processing provides a competitive edge, making sure that any necessary actions regarding substance use can be taken promptly, maintaining safety and productivity in the workplace.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lupton, AZ: Utilizing hair follicle tests ensures adherence to workplace drug policies. This strategy minimizes legal risks and boosts workplace security. Compliance with drug-free mandates enhances overall staff productivity and morale.

Employers can maintain stringent drug-free workplace policies with the assurance that hair testing provides, reducing potential liabilities. This approach not only fosters a safer workplace but also promotes peace of mind about the work environment's integrity.

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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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