Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Superior, CO

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands during growth. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month duration for detecting alcohol and drug use. Hair is straightforward to gather, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch length involving approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the best sample for primary tests and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is advised. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Procedure Outline

The procedure for processing a drug test result in a lab involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

In Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab’s system. This step includes checking that the sample was correctly sealed and sent, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data input not included by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides a rapid test for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use in many samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in court. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening need a further confirmation step.

For samples listed as presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is sourced from the primary sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are separated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging approach to conduct.

Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All presumptive positive samples are washed if necessary before confirmation. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing reveals drug use for a duration of up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which cover a shorter period.
• Hard to alter: Cheating on a hair drug test is extremely challenging, ensuring more reliable results.
• Documents past usage: It provides insights into patterns of drug consumption over time, not just recent use.

Challenges:

• Inability to show recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug testing costs more compared to other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Superior, CO

• Hair testing stands out for its superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests.
• Employers find hair tests more trustworthy due to their non-intrusive and thorough nature.
• The longer detection window offers a comprehensive view of substance use history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Superior, CO

• Hair follicle testing offers up to 90 days of drug use detection, far exceeding other methods.
• This extensive window provides employers clear insights into an individual's substance use history.
• It's a favored tool for ensuring a drug-free workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Superior, CO

• The integrity of hair follicle testing minimizes the chances of sample adulteration.
• Clients can trust in the authenticity of results derived from this testing method.
• It assures accurate, tamper-proof results, reinforcing legal and workplace compliance.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Superior, CO

• Our extensive network of testing centers ensures easy access nationwide.
• Local centers in Superior offer swift and easy testing solutions.
• This convenience eliminates barriers to obtaining necessary tests.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Superior, CO

• We ensure a straightforward and private process for ordering and receiving test results.
• Our services prioritize client privacy and ease of use.
• The seamless procedure alleviates concerns regarding confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Superior, CO

• Our pricing structures are competitive, offering cost-effective solutions.
• The rapid turnaround time ensures timely results for all client needs.
• Valuable service coupled with efficiency makes us a premier choice.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Superior, CO

• Precision matters and hair follicle testing delivers unmatched accuracy for substance detection.
• These tests provide rapid results, ensuring quick and efficient decision-making.
• The reliability of hair testing makes it the preferred choice for discerning professionals.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Superior, CO

• Hair follicle tests help maintain adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
• This method reduces legal liabilities and fosters safety within the workplace.
• Employers gain confidence, knowing they are making informed decisions.

Drug Testing Near Superior, CO

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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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