Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Grapevine, AR

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as hair grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use over about a three-month duration. Collecting hair is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 strands of hair (akin to a #2 pencil in size) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be taken instead. When discussing head hair, we mean exclusively scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning comprises the initial enrollment of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This step involves confirming that the sample was adequately sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry that isn't automatically handled by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as a preliminary quick assessment for detecting drug misuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly approach to disregard drug use across most samples, a screen yielding positive must be verified for courtroom validity. Any samples that appear positive during Screening necessitate a secondary verification.

When a sample comes back positive during the Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at notably lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is recognized as the toughest technique to execute.

Verification of positive screening results is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected positive are cleansed before validation if needed. The full laboratory course, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair section and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 benchmarks.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug evaluations can reveal drug consumption spanning up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a narrower detection timeframe.
• Increased anti-cheating safeguards: It is exceptionally challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, enhancing result reliability.
• Retrospective data: It illustrates a drug use pattern over time, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent consumption: Around 5-7 days are necessary before drugs become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments are typically more costly than other drug detection strategies.
• Variability in findings: Aspects like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Commonly dubbed "hair follicle tests", these tests examine the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Grapevine, AR
Hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests by offering superior detection capabilities and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which have shorter detection windows, hair testing identifies drug use over extended periods, making it ideal for thorough evaluations. This longer detection window provides essential insights into an individual's substance use history.

Moreover, hair follicle tests are resistant to common tampering methods often seen with urine sample collections, ensuring that results are both authentic and reliable. For those seeking accuracy and dependability, hair tests provide a substantial advantage in detecting substance use.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Grapevine, AR
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its ability to observe drug use over an extended timeframe, extending up to 90 days. This extensive detection window enables employers to gain a broad understanding of an individual's drug use patterns, which is vital for informed decision-making. It goes beyond the limitations of urine testing with its brief detection period.

The longevity of hair drug test results provides an encompassing view of one’s substance history, becoming an indispensable tool for employers aiming for in-depth assessments. These insights are invaluable for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Grapevine, AR
The hair follicle testing method stands out for its resistance to tampering, significantly reducing the possibility of adulterated results. Unlike urine samples, hair samples are less susceptible to common tampering techniques, ensuring the integrity of the collected samples and providing unquestionable outcomes.

For employers seeking to uphold strict policies and ensure honest results, hair testing offers a highly reliable and credible solution. This method of testing reinforces trust in its findings and consolidates confidence in the decision-making process driven by its results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Grapevine, AR
Accredited Drug Testing offers a network of nationwide centers, including local testing in Grapevine, AR, ensuring easy access for all clients. This widespread availability makes it straightforward for businesses and individuals alike to undergo testing without logistical challenges.

Our comprehensive reach ensures that obtaining a hair follicle test is both hassle-free and efficient. With various accessible sites, clients experience minimal disruption to their schedules, benefiting from our expansive and convenient testing locations.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Grapevine, AR
The process for scheduling and completing a hair follicle test through Accredited Drug Testing is straightforward and confidential. We prioritize privacy and ease of use for our clients, ensuring that each step — from ordering to receiving results — is handled with utmost discretion.

Our commitment to a seamless testing experience alleviates concerns regarding confidentiality, providing assurance and comfort. With an emphasis on streamlined procedures, clients can confidently engage in our testing services, knowing their privacy is prioritized.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Grapevine, AR
We offer competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, providing exceptional value to companies of all sizes. Our services are not only affordable; they also ensure rapid delivery of results, facilitating swift decision-making.

This cost-effective approach does not compromise quality, maintaining high standards in test accuracy and reliability. Choosing our hair follicle testing means benefiting from both excellent service and budget-friendly rates, enhancing peace of mind for businesses.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Grapevine, AR
Hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched precision and speed, proving highly effective in identifying substance use. This testing method provides dependable outcomes swiftly, facilitating timely decisions for individuals and organizations. Its capacity to detect various substances with remarkable accuracy makes it the preferred choice for reliable results.

With cutting-edge technology and expert handling, hair follicle tests ensure results that clients can trust. The efficiency in delivering rapid findings without compromising accuracy provides peace of mind for both employers and individuals alike. Prioritizing accuracy and speed, hair follicle tests are setting the standard for drug testing efficiency.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Grapevine, AR
Hair follicle testing stands as a cornerstone for compliance with drug-free workplace policies, offering employers peace of mind. Ensuring that employees adhere to such standards is crucial in mitigating legal risks and fostering a secure working environment. This reliable method of testing supports adherence to protective regulations against substance abuse in the workplace.

With hair testing, businesses not only ensure policy compliance but also enhance workplace safety. It provides solid evidence upon which employers can make informed decisions, all while maintaining the welfare of the workforce.

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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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