Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Wellton Hills, AZ

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust method for detecting alcohol and drug usage. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fiber of the growing hair shaft. When obtained from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection range of almost three months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, resistant to tampering, and can be transported with ease.

A sample of hair measuring 1.5 inches and comprising around 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the perfect quantity for both screening and confirmation. For tests including EtG add-ons and/or those exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to collect 150mg. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is not present, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of drug test results comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning relates to the initial incorporation of a sample into the laboratory’s protocol. This procedure verifies that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executes any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening conducts an initial rapid examination for substances of abuse. This method is economical for eliminating drug use in most samples, but positive results must be confirmed to be permissible in legal settings. Samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening require further verification.

When a sample is indicated as positive at the Screening stage, a greater volume of hair is taken from the initial sample and is processed for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is considered challenging to conduct.

Confirmation of positive screens is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples suspected to be positive undergo washing ahead of confirmation as required. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, in contrast to the shorter detection window of urine tests.
• Challenge to manipulate: Hair drug tests are hard to compromise, ensuring more precise outcomes.
• Offers historical record: It can provide an overview of drug usage patterns over a period, beyond recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Detection delay: Drugs take roughly 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Cost implications: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs than alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can impact drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wellton Hills, AZ
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests through improved detection accuracy and reliability. With its extended detection window and resistant nature against manipulation, hair tests offer an effective alternative for monitoring substance use in various scenarios.

• Superior detection capabilities highlight the benefits over urine testing.
• Reliability and reduced possibility of sample tampering make hair testing preferable.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Wellton Hills, AZ
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over a lengthy period of up to 90 days. This gives employers critical insights into the long-term substance history of applicants or employees.

• The extended detection period offers a broader view of substance use patterns.
• Employers benefit from a comprehensive profile of drug use history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wellton Hills, AZ
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce risks associated with sample adulteration. This testing method ensures that results are reliable and unquestionable, providing support for decisions made on their findings.

• Reduces opportunities for modifying or contaminating samples.
• Delivers results that stakeholders can trust.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wellton Hills, AZ
With an extensive network of nationwide testing centers, we offer seamless and hassle-free access to drug testing services. This wide availability ensures that testing remains convenient, efficient, and accessible.

• Numerous local and national centers provide unmatched accessibility.
• Fast and uncomplicated service for all testing needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Wellton Hills, AZ
Ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle testing results is simple and confidential, addressing privacy and ease of use concerns. Our process ensures that testing remains secure and user-friendly throughout.

• Streamlined approach guarantees privacy and confidentiality.
• Effortless procedures make utilization straightforward.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wellton Hills, AZ
We offer competitive pricing structures with fast turnaround times, delivering exceptional value for companies of all sizes. Our services ensure quick, accurate results without compromising affordability.

• Cost-effective solutions that suit various budgets.
• Expedient processing times provide peace of mind and efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wellton Hills, AZ
Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed, greatly enhancing the reliability of determining substance use. This method provides conclusive results that help organizations and individuals make better informed decisions regarding substance monitoring.

• The accuracy of hair testing offers a significant edge over traditional methods.
• Results come faster than expected, ensuring timely decision-making for stakeholders.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wellton Hills, AZ
Employing hair follicle testing helps ensure compliance with workplace drug-free policies, reducing potential legal risks while enhancing safety. Employers can operate with peace of mind knowing that their workplace maintains a safer, substance-free environment.

• Enhances adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
• Minimizes legal exposure while boosting employee safety.

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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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