Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Higden, AR

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a continuous record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the strands' structure. When harvested near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol consumption patterns for a duration of up to three months. The collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 hairs (similar in width to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp equates to 100mg, which is the optimal amount needed for testing and validation. For EtG, supplements, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing the hair is advisable. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab's system. Steps include confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, providing it with a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening serves as an initial assay for identifying drugs of abuse. This cost-efficient method can effectively eliminate drug use in most samples; however, a positive finding in Screening necessitates confirmation for legal validity. Samples rendering a presumptive positive result in Screening require a follow-up Confirmation.

Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction preparation. This stage involves isolating drugs from hair at lower concentrations than seen in other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair screening the most challenging method available.

Any confirmed positive Screening results are verified via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before their Confirmation as necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is conducted under the supervision of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests identify drug usage for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a more limited time frame.
• High resistance to deception: Cheating a hair test is very challenging, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical usage data: Hair analysis reveals long-term usage trends rather than merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Recent use undetectable: Drugs become evident in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs than alternative methods.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can alter drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although typically dubbed "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Higden, AR, is preferred over urine tests due to its unmatched detection accuracy. These tests uncover drug use with a superior level of precision.

Traditional urine tests are less reliable when compared to the comprehensive results from hair testing, which identifies substances with greater accuracy.

For organizations enforcing rigorous drug policies, hair testing surpasses urine analysis, offering relentless reliability and quality performance.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Higden, AR, offers a prolonged detection window of up to 90 days, setting it apart from other methods. This allows employers to examine a full quarter of an individual's drug history.

By utilizing hair testing, organizations can achieve a holistic view of an employee's substance use, essential for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.

Extended detection enables employers to make educated employment decisions based on comprehensive drug use history over the last 90 days.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle test method employed in Higden, AR, greatly reduces chances of sample tampering. Its highly reliable procedure ensures that results are trustworthy and authentic.

Unlike other testing methods, hair analysis is challenging to adulterate, providing peace of mind with its integrity.

The robust collection and analysis process associated with hair testing eliminates doubts, delivering credible and indisputable outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Higden, AR, benefits from our widespread network of testing facilities, ensuring straightforward access to needed services nationwide.

Our extensive network simplifies the testing process for both local and national entities, offering comfort and ease for all users.

The numerous conveniently accessible centers allow for stress-free and time-efficient testing experiences across the region.

Simple, Confidential Process

The testing process in Higden, AR, is straightforward and guarantees confidentiality, giving peace of mind to those requiring services.

The simplified approach ensures easy navigation through ordering, testing, and result receiving, safeguarding personal privacy at each stage.

With an emphasis on discretion and user-friendliness, the process removes barriers, enhancing user confidence and comfort throughout.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive pricing structures and fast processing times make testing in Higden, AR, an attractive option for businesses of any size.

Our affordable rates coupled with rapid results offer excellent value, ensuring satisfaction for all stakeholders.

The combination of cost-effectiveness and speedy turnaround times deliver unmatched value and assurance to companies seeking these services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Higden, AR, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. These tests provide swift and accurate detection of substance use, making them a preferred choice for many.

Hair follicle tests offer high accuracy levels in identifying drug use, outpacing many other testing methods in reliability.

Quick results are guaranteed with hair follicle tests, allowing employers and individuals to make informed decisions promptly and efficiently.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Higden, AR, hair follicle drug testing fosters compliance with drug-free workplace standards. This mitigates legal risks while enhancing overall safety.

Using hair testing strengthens adherence to employer policies, ensuring a secure and productive environment for all company stakeholders.

Maintaining workplace safety through this testing method ensures regulatory compliance and supports a harmonious corporate atmosphere.

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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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