Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lonsdale, AR

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol usage. It retains long-term drug and alcohol history by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of hair as it grows. When cut close to the scalp, hair offers an almost 3-month observational window for detecting drug and alcohol use. It is easy to collect, hard to alter, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (resembling a #2 pencil's width) from the scalp grants 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, and instances exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested that the sample be weighed using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent amount of body hair can be taken. Reference to head hair specifically denotes scalp hair only, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure of a drug test result consists of four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the primary integration of a specimen into a laboratory's database. This encompasses confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any needed data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody program.

Screening entails an initial rapid check for substances of abuse. Although it is an economical method to rule out drug use in most samples, any positive results from Screening must be confirmed for courtroom validity. Samples with presumptive positives from Screening require subsequent confirmation.

In the event of a presumptively positive result at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those found in other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug analysis.

Confirmatory tests on positive screenings are conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation, as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation aligns with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use over 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter observation frame.
• Resistant to tampering: Cheating a hair drug test is notably difficult, ensuring more precise results.
• Provides usage history: It can depict drug usage patterns over time, not merely recent instances.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent usage: Detection of drugs in hair requires about 5-7 days.
• Cost implications: Hair drug screenings are typically pricier compared to other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair hue and individual growth rates can affect drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lonsdale, AR

Hair testing surpasses urine tests with its superior detection accuracy. With an ability to identify drug use over a more extended detection period, hair tests provide unparalleled reliability. Employers find this crucial where maintaining a drug-free workplace is of utmost importance.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Lonsdale, AR

Hair follicle tests offer a much longer detection period, identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This extensive window allows employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, crucial during the hiring process for evaluating potential candidates or monitoring current employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lonsdale, AR

One of the major advantages of hair follicle drug tests is their tamper resistance. These tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration, making it nearly impossible to cheat, leading to unquestionable and reliable results that employers can trust.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lonsdale, AR

Our extensive network of testing centers offers convenient access to hair follicle drug testing nationwide. In Lonsdale, AR, accessing testing services is hassle-free and straightforward, ensuring quick availability and service.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Lonsdale, AR

Ordering and receiving drug test results has never been easier with our straightforward and confidential process. We prioritize user privacy, ensuring that all procedures are conducted with discretion and provide peace of mind to our clients.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lonsdale, AR

Our competitive pricing structures reinforce excellent value for companies of all sizes. Quick turnaround times further enhance the overall efficiency of our services, providing clients with both affordability and quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lonsdale, AR

Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their accuracy and speed. These tests consistently deliver precise results, detecting substance use with unparalleled reliability. By analyzing the sample with meticulous techniques, the process ensures test results are both swift and dependable.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lonsdale, AR

Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, ensuring businesses comply with legal standards and reducing litigation risks. This testing method offers peace of mind, enhancing workplace safety and promoting a more secure work environment.

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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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