Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Sentinel, AZ

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a compelling means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a chronic history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as it grows. When gathered from near the scalp, the hair provides a detection range of up to three months for both alcohol and other drug use. The collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is considered the perfect sample for both screening and confirmation purposes. For testing that includes EtG, additional panels, or exceeds 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be procured. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair, while body hair includes all other hair types (like facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedures for processing a drug test result encompass four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the primary processing of a specimen within a lab’s framework. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.

Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening efficiently excludes drug usage in the majority of specimens, a positive result necessitates further confirmation for legal validity. Any samples that indicate a positive result in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.

If Screening results suggest a positive finding, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and subjected to Extraction. During this phase, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower levels compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug analysis.

Confirmation of any positive Screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating a positive result are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted in adherence to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug consumption for as long as 90 days, in contrast to urine tests which have a shorter detection scope.
• Resistance to manipulation: Hair drug tests are challenging to deceive, enhancing result accuracy.
• Delivers historical insight: It offers insights into drug usage patterns over time, not merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent usage: Drugs become noticeable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs in comparison to other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Variables like hair hue and individual hair growth differences may alter drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Despite frequently being termed "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Sentinel, AZ, consistently outperforms urine tests in several key areas. The extensive detection period ensures wider coverage of substance usage, providing more comprehensive insights than traditional urine tests. Additionally, the accuracy and reliability of hair testing make it a superior choice for employers aiming to maintain a drug-free workplace.

Extended Detection Window

In Sentinel, AZ, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days into an individual's substance use history. This comprehensive look gives employers detailed insights into an applicant or employee's long-term drug habits, allowing for more informed decision-making when it comes to hiring or monitoring existing staff.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle testing method used in Sentinel, AZ, minimizes the likelihood of tampering, delivering trustworthy results that withstand scrutiny. This method's tamper-proof nature makes it an attractive option for both employers and individuals seeking reliable substance use evaluations that cannot be easily manipulated or cheated.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient locations nationwide, ensuring that clients in Sentinel, AZ, have quick and hassle-free access to drug testing services. Our widespread network guarantees that individuals can easily find a nearby testing center, enhancing the overall convenience and efficiency of the testing process.

Simple, Confidential Process

For Sentinel, AZ residents, the process of obtaining a hair follicle drug test is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting the sample and receiving the results, the entire procedure maintains privacy and ease of use, protecting sensitive information while delivering clear results efficiently.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Sentinel, AZ, our drug testing services boast affordable pricing together with fast turnaround times, making them accessible to businesses of various sizes. Our economical rates do not compromise on quality, while prompt results ensure companies can maintain work continuity with minimal disruptions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Sentinel, AZ, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, precise, and reliable outcomes, making them a preferred choice for identifying substance use. These tests offer remarkable accuracy, ensuring that the results are dependable, thus giving employers confidence in the findings. The quick processing time also makes them efficient for both pre-employment screenings and ongoing employee assessments.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Sentinel, AZ, find peace of mind in using hair follicle testing, as it ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This compliance-driven approach not only mitigates legal risks but also strengthens workplace safety, supporting employers in maintaining a healthy and productive environment free from substance abuse issues.

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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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