Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Tomato, AR

What it is, How it works

Recognized as an effective measure for identifying alcohol and drug consumption, hair testing offers extensive past usage data. Within the fibers of growing hair strands, biomarkers are trapped, providing a long-term record. Hair collected near the scalp offers a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and other substances. The collection process for hair samples is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easily transportable.

A hair sample size of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil), closest to the scalp, can yield approximately 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is suggested for measuring the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be provided, a similar amount of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, this references scalp hair strictly, while body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing for a drug test result encompasses four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into a laboratory’s system. This step involves confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any additional data entry that might be missing from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method for ruling out drug usage in most samples, court-admissible results necessitate confirmation of any positive findings. Samples yielding presumptive positive results during Screening require further confirmation.

In instances of presumptive positive results in the Screening stage, additional hair is collected from the initial sample for preparation in the Extraction process. In this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug screening particularly challenging to conduct.

Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples deemed presumptively positive undergo a washing process as warranted before confirmation. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: With the ability to detect drug use up to 90 days, hair drug tests provide a longer detection period compared to urine tests.
• Resistance to tampering: Hair drug tests are highly resistant to tampering, ensuring greater accuracy of results.
• Historical usage pattern: These tests can indicate drug usage patterns over time, not solely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Lack of recent usage detection: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to cost more than other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Variables such as hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Tomato, AR, offers remarkable advantages over traditional urine tests. Its superior detection accuracy stems from a more extended detection window and a collection process that minimizes tampering risks. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis can unveil a comprehensive drug use history, proving invaluable for sensitive environments.

Extended Detection Window

In Tomato, AR, hair follicle testing provides an expansive detection window of up to 90 days. This extended period allows for a thorough investigation into an individual's substance use patterns. Employers benefit from a more complete understanding of an employee or applicant's history, enhancing decision-making processes and workplace integrity.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The reliability of hair follicle tests in Tomato, AR, largely stems from their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike urine samples, hair tests significantly reduce adulteration risks. By maintaining sample integrity, this method provides trustworthy results, safeguarding against attempts to alter outcomes, thus reinforcing testing reliability.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Offering convenient testing locations in Tomato, AR, our nationwide network ensures easy access to hair follicle testing services. Whether local or across the country, our centers provide hassle-free, quick access to quality testing. This widespread availability supports businesses regardless of their size or geographic location.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Tomato, AR, our hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step prioritizes user privacy and convenience. Our streamlined approach ensures an efficient, stress-free experience, addressing any privacy concerns while maintaining ease of use for all clients.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our hair follicle testing services in Tomato, AR, are offered at competitive prices with fast turnaround times. This affordability and efficiency provide excellent value, allowing businesses of all sizes to benefit from timely, high-quality testing without compromising on quality or financial prudence.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug testing provides fast and reliable results in Tomato, AR. This method excels in accuracy and efficiency, quickly detecting substance use with high precision. The analytical process, coupled with swift sample collection, ensures results are delivered promptly, assisting organizations in making timely, informed decisions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Tomato, AR, gain peace of mind by using hair follicle testing. This method facilitates compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and fostering a safe work environment. Hair testing's accuracy and reliability enhance organizational safety and ensure adherence to industry standards.

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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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