Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Ogden, AR

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of alcohol and drugs by enclosing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When sourced from close to the scalp, it can offer up to a three-month detection window for alcohol and other drug use. Collecting hair is easy, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the perfect quantity for both initial screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or assessments beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. We suggest verifying the specimen weight using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair isn't an option, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary stages in processing a drug test result in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning consists of the initial incorporation of a sample into the laboratory framework. This entails checking that the specimen was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening features an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive result in this phase requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples that test positive initially in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

If a sample indicates a positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and set for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug assessment is considered the most complex methodology to execute.

Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing before confirmation if required. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair analyses can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a more limited detection period.
• Challenging to manipulate: It is exceptionally hard to compromise a hair drug test, rendering the outcomes more precise.
• Delivers historical information: It can reveal drug use patterns over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: It typically takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments tend to be pricier than alternative drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth rate can influence drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure itself evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle tests in Ogden, AR, surpass urine tests by offering a superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a longer detection window, catching substance usage that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The robustness of hair testing lies in its nearly impossible-to-tamper nature. This method ensures a trustworthy approach to identifying drug use, providing a dependable tool for employers and other entities who prioritize safety and integrity.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing in Ogden, AR is a significant benefit. This test detects drug use over a 90-day period, giving employers an in-depth view of an individual's substance history.

Such a comprehensive window assists employers in assessing long-term habits rather than just recent use. This clarity in understanding goes far beyond what traditional testing methods can offer, supporting informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

One of the key strengths of hair follicle testing in Ogden, AR is its tamper-resistant nature. The likelihood of adulterating a hair sample is exceedingly low, thus providing trustworthy results.

This characteristic assures employers and authorities of the test’s integrity, allowing confident enforcement of drug policies and reducing the risks associated with fraudulent test results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous testing facilities across the nation and in Ogden, AR, Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled convenience. Whether you need a quick test around the corner or in another city, our locations are strategically placed for hassle-free access.

Our extensive network simplifies the process, making it easier than ever for individuals and employers to obtain necessary testing services at their convenience.

Simple, Confidential Process

The drug testing process in Ogden, AR is both straightforward and confidential. Accredited Drug Testing prioritizes privacy, ensuring an easy-to-navigate process for ordering, administering, and receiving results.

Clients can rely on a seamless experience, free from complications, while being assured that their personal information and test outcomes remain private and secure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing in Ogden, AR offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Our cost-efficient services provide great value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring affordability without sacrificing quality.

With our economic package and rapid delivery of results, companies can stay within budget while still maintaining high standards of workplace testing.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

With advanced hair follicle drug testing in Ogden, AR, rapid and precise results are a key advantage. This testing method boasts exceptional accuracy in identifying drug usage over conventional methods. The scientifically backed process ensures reliable outcomes, supporting a comprehensive analysis of substance use.

The quick turnaround of results further distinguishes hair follicle tests. This method delivers not just speed but also meticulous precision, making it easier to implement decisions based on accurate data.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Ogden, AR gain significant peace of mind from using hair follicle testing to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal liabilities and fosters a safer work environment.

By choosing hair testing, employers not only adhere to regulatory requirements but also enhance overall workplace integrity, promoting a culture of accountability and safety.

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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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