Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Friendship, AR

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol presence. The hair captures long-term evidence of substances by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. A sample taken close to the scalp can present up to a three-month timeline for noting the ingestion of alcohol and other drugs. Hair samples are easy to gather, relatively tamper-resistant, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch cluster of nearly 200 hair strands (akin to the diameter of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg, ideal for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of hair is preferable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise weighing. When scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be utilized. "Head hair" strictly denotes scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, underarm, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab processing of a drug test result encompasses four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the preliminary integration of a sample into the lab's system. This step entails ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is the initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening offers a cost-effective way to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positives identified in Screening need an additional confirmation.

Upon a presumptive positive from Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for processing in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral swabs), presenting hair drug screening as the most challenging methodology to execute.

Positive Screening outcomes are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is verified under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and meets ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug assessments can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a more limited window.
• High accuracy: Hair drug tests are notably challenging to subvert, yielding more reliable results.
• Tracks historical usage: Enables analysis of drug intake patterns over extended periods, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Recent usage detection gap: It takes around 5-7 days post-use for drugs to be identified in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than other testing avenues.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair pigmentation and individual growth rates can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure itself assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Friendship, AR, hair follicle testing outshines urine tests with superior detection and accuracy. Hair tests detect substance use over a longer term than urine tests, allowing better monitoring. The reliability of hair tests is unparalleled, making them a trusted choice for ensuring drug-free standards in various sectors.

Extended Detection Window

Offering an extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Friendship, AR, detects substance use for up to 90 days. This method allows employers to evaluate an individual's historical drug use, providing a broader view of habits. Unlike other testing methods, hair testing offers a comprehensive look into one's substance use history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Friendship, AR, are tamper-resistant, offering significant protection against sample adulteration. The method provides reliable results that are difficult to dispute. Individuals and employers benefit from the security and accuracy of hair tests, ensuring confidence in the outcome.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient nationwide and local testing locations in Friendship, AR, accessing testing services has never been easier. Our widespread facilities ensure that scheduling a test is hassle-free and accessible, matching modern needs for convenience and efficiency in drug testing.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Friendship, AR, is simple and confidential. From ordering tests to obtaining results, the procedure is designed to maintain privacy and offer ease of use, catering to individuals concerned about discretion while upholding efficiency.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Hair follicle testing in Friendship, AR, combines affordable pricing with fast turnaround times. We aim to deliver substantial value and assurance to diverse company sizes, ensuring that cost-efficiency and speed are not compromised for quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Friendship, AR, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision in detecting substance use makes them a preferred choice over other methods. Hair tests offer a unique advantage by providing swift results that employers and individuals can trust, ensuring timely decisions based on solid and reliable data.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing in Friendship, AR, assures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, offering peace of mind for employers. By minimizing legal exposure and enhancing safety, businesses can maintain standards and focus on providing a secure and productive work environment.

Drug Testing Near Friendship, AR

Rockwell, AR

Butterfield, AR

Lono, AR

Curtis, AR

Willow, AR

Ozark, AR

Rockport, AR

Lake Hamilton, AR

Malvern, AR

Dalark, AR

Bismarck, AR

Social Hill, AR

Arkadelphia, AR

Caddo Valley, AR

Donaldson, 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