Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Henderson, CO

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding markers in the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When taken from the scalp area, the hair can indicate the presence of alcohol and drugs for up to roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, the chances of tampering are low, and it is easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hairs (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for testing and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a corresponding amount of body hair may be gathered. When referencing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug testing result involves four fundamental steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning comprises the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is an initial rapid assessment for the presence of abused drugs. While Screening serves as a cost-effective method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive finding must be substantiated for it to stand in court. All samples that test positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.

If a sample returns a positive result in the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the initial sample to be used in Extraction. During this stage, drugs are separated from hair at concentrations much lower than those in other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is the toughest methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug usage up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which offer a shorter detection period.
• Challenging to manipulate: Manipulating hair drug tests is extremely difficult, ensuring more precise results.
• Offers historical insight: It allows a pattern of drug usage over time, not only recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing often incurs higher costs than other testing methods.
• Inconsistent results: Factors such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Henderson, CO, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering enhanced detection accuracy. One of the main advantages is its ability to uncover long-term substance use, providing a broader picture of a person's drug history.

Unlike urine tests, which often detect recent use, hair follicle analysis stands out for its longevity in identifying drug exposure. This heightened reliability aids employers in maintaining a safer workplace.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Henderson, CO is distinguished by its extended detection window, capturing drug use history for up to 90 days. This long-term overview gives employers a comprehensive insight into an employee's or applicant's substance use habits.

This broader detection range makes it a valuable tool for employers who prioritize a drug-free environment. By identifying drug usage over several months, it aids in making informed hiring decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Henderson, CO offer a tamper-resistant approach to drug testing. Unlike some other methods, these tests are far less susceptible to manipulation or adulteration, ensuring that results remain accurate and trustworthy.

The robust integrity of hair testing means that attempts to alter or mask drug usage are effectively mitigated, providing employers and legal entities with reliable data to base their decisions on.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Henderson, CO, the convenience of nationwide testing centers simplifies the process of obtaining a hair follicle test. With easy access to these facilities, the testing procedure remains hassle-free for all participants.

Local and national locations ensure that individuals have prompt and effective access to testing services, without the stress of geographical limitations. This availability helps facilitate quick and efficient testing.

Simple, Confidential Process

Ordering and undertaking hair follicle testing in Henderson, CO is a straightforward and confidential process. Individuals can expect privacy and simplicity at every stage, from scheduling to receiving results.

This seamless approach ensures that privacy concerns are addressed, offering a user-friendly experience that meets the needs of both employers and individuals with ease.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Henderson, CO offers affordable hair follicle testing with prompt turnaround, providing excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures ensure cost-effectiveness without compromising quality or speed.

Fast processing and result deliveries mean companies save both time and resources, making hair testing a wise investment for maintaining a healthy and drug-free workplace environment.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, accurate, and reliable, hair follicle drug testing in Henderson, CO offers unparalleled precision in identifying substance use. Utilizing advanced technology, these tests boast a high accuracy rate, minimizing the chances of false positives or negatives.

Thanks to its precise detection capabilities, hair testing serves as a trustworthy solution for those seeking clarity and certainty. Results are not only quick to deliver but consistently reliable, providing peace of mind to employers and individuals alike.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Henderson, CO find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, which helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies. By reducing potential legal liabilities, these tests contribute to creating a safer and more compliant environment.

The assuredness provided by consistent and valid results fosters a sense of security, not only preventing workplace issues but also reinforcing a culture of safety and trust among employees.

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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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