Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Cord, AR

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a reservoir for long-term biomarker retention, capturing traces of substances in the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide a detection window for alcohol and drugs lasting up to roughly three months. The collection process is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and shipping is hassle-free.

A sample consisting of a 1.5-inch segment from approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) cut nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG tests, additional options, or panels greater than 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement of the sample. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. Body hair encompasses any other types of hair (such as facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning is the step where a sample begins its processing journey within a laboratory’s system. This stage includes confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, allocating a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody documentation.

Screening entails a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-effective means of eliminating drug use in most cases, the confirmation of a positive screen is necessary for legal admissibility. Any sample showing a presumptive positive in Screening mandates a follow-up confirmation.

If a sample is marked potentially positive during Screening, further hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at concentrations lower than those found in other test types (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing ranks among the most complex methodologies.

The Confirmation of positive screening findings occurs using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that return presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. A comprehensive review of the entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted, adhering to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can trace drug usage spanning up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection timeframe.
• Cheating difficulty: Hair drug tests are notably challenging to tamper with, resulting in more accurate outcomes.
• Historical usage information: These tests indicate drug use patterns over time rather than only recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Lack of recent use detection: Drugs take about 5-7 days before becoming detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing generally incurs higher costs compared to alternative testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements, including hair color and personal differences in hair growth, can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing stands head and shoulders above urine tests in Cord, AR, due to its unparalleled accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair samples provide a detailed timeline of substance use.

This enhanced detection reliability makes hair tests more appealing, reducing the likelihood of false negatives. Employers benefit from more accurate screenings when relying on hair samples over urine ones.

Extended Detection Window

In Cord, AR, hair follicle testing is advantageous for employers as it offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This makes it possible to discern a more comprehensive history of substance use in employees or candidates.

The extended window helps provide a clearer picture of long-term drug use, which urine tests fail to offer. Employers gain insights into more than recent activity, aiding better hiring and workforce management decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Cord, AR, are designed to minimize the risk of sample tampering. This testing method ensures that results are trustworthy and free from manipulation.

Unlike other testing types, hair sample collection is notably tamper-proof, safeguarding against adulteration and providing concrete proof of drug use, which is crucial in legal and employment settings.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our extensive network of testing centers in Cord, AR, and beyond ensures the convenience and accessibility of hair follicle testing, enabling quick and smooth service access nationwide.

Employers and individuals benefit from easy and efficient scheduling for tests at well-equipped local facilities, saving time and enhancing their testing experience significantly.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of undergoing hair follicle testing in Cord, AR, is straightforward and discreet. Ordering, administering, and receiving results is conducted with confidentiality.

Privacy and simplicity are the hallmarks of this process, addressing privacy concerns and fostering a seamless experience for all parties involved in the drug testing procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times in Cord, AR, hair follicle tests present excellent value for companies of all sizes looking for reliable drug testing.

The affordable costs combined with speedy results delivery make it a compelling choice, bringing peace of mind and financial balance to organizations.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug test is widely regarded as delivering rapid, precise, and dependable results in Cord, AR. This method boasts remarkable accuracy in identifying substances, offering a robust tool for drug testing.

Its swift and exact detection capability ensures that results are reliable and trusted. The hair follicle test quickly identifies drug traces, matching the demands for efficient drug testing solutions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Cord, AR, implementing hair follicle testing aligns with maintaining drug-free workplace policies, offering peace of mind through compliance and safety.

This testing ensures adherence to regulations and minimizes the likelihood of legal claims. Hair testing thus serves as an employer's ally in fostering a risk-free and productive work environment.

Drug Testing Near Cord, AR

Salado, AR

Newport, AR

Cave City, AR

Oil Trough, AR

Moorefield, AR

Diaz, AR

Swifton, AR

Jacksonport, AR

Campbell Station, AR

Magness, AR

Strawberry, AR

Tuckerman, AR

Sulphur Rock, AR

Newark, AR

Centerville, AR

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