Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Wickes, AR

What it is, How it works

The utilization of hair testing has increasingly become recognized as a vital method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can encapsulate a long-term chronology of alcohol and various drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands' fibers. When obtained near the scalp, hair can present a detection window of up to around 3 months for both alcohol and other substances. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) near the scalp, yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analytes, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale is recommended. Should scalp hair be absent, an equivalent volume of body hair can be utilized. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other forms (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result follows four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system, which includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers an economical means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be permissible in court. Samples that yield presumptive positive results during Screening require subsequent confirmation.

In cases where a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than seen in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug testing is among the most challenging techniques to execute.

Confirmation of a positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can uncover drug use for as long as 90 days, in contrast to urine tests that have a more limited detection period.
• Resistant to manipulation: It is very challenging to deceive a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insights: It can reveal a pattern of drug use over a duration, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs take about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically more costly than other drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Aspects such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is commonly used, yet the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why does hair follicle testing surpass urine analysis in Wickes, AR? For starters, hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair screenings can identify substance use over a longer period.
This extended detection window is essential for employers and legal bodies aiming for comprehensive evaluations.

The non-intrusive collection process also enhances compliance and accuracy, making hair tests the method of choice.

Extended Detection Window

Extended detection windows in hair follicle testing provide a crucial advantage for employers in Wickes, AR. These tests capture drug use over a span of up to 90 days, offering insights into an individual's substance history.
This extensive period increases the test's effectiveness, granting a detailed overview of any drug-related activities and enhancing hiring decisions.

Employers can rely on the comprehensive data provided by these tests for long-term substance insights.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Wickes, AR, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests presents a significant advantage. These tests considerably reduce the possibility of sample adulteration,
offering unquestionable reliability in results. Their meticulous collection method ensures the authenticity of the sample, making any tampering attempts virtually impossible.

This security feature is integral for organizations needing trustworthy and accurate drug screening outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous nationwide testing centers, accessing our services in Wickes, AR, is effortless. These facilities are strategically located to offer quick and hassle-free drug testing.
Whether local or national, our network of centers guarantees convenience, facilitating an easy process for employers and individuals alike.

We ensure that every client receives efficient service across all our locations.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process in Wickes, AR, is streamlined for simplicity and confidentiality, from ordering to receiving results. Emphasizing privacy, hair tests are administered with care to protect sensitive information.
Ordering is straightforward, and results are delivered securely, allowing clients to trust our confidential process.

This ease of use fosters confidence and ensures discretion at every stage of the testing procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Wickes, AR, our hair follicle testing services provide affordable pricing that caters to companies of all sizes. Paired with fast turnaround times, we offer excellent value and peace of mind to businesses.
With competitive rates, employers can access comprehensive testing solutions without financial strain.

Quick results and fair pricing position our services as an exceptional choice for cost-effective drug screening.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing in Wickes, AR, offer unparalleled benefits. Known for their high accuracy, these tests precisely detect substance use.
Fast and reliable, they provide quick and dependable results, ensuring a trustworthy assessment.

With a streamlined process, hair tests deliver accurate outcomes in a timely manner, making them an excellent choice for employers seeking dependable substance testing solutions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Wickes, AR, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, which ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. The stringent testing process not only reduces legal risks but also boosts workplace safety.
Reliable and thorough, hair tests meet the highest standards, protecting companies and fostering a secure work environment.

Enhanced peace comes with knowing that testing methods are comprehensive and consistent.

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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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