Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Parkland, FL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, it provides a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and easy to mail.

Obtaining a 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for assessment and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, it is advisable to collect 150mg of the specimen. We suggest measuring the specimen with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a similar amount of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to other types, such as facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The four essential stages in the laboratory assessment of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning consists of the initial handling of a sample within a lab's system. This encompasses ensuring the sample is sealed and transported correctly, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary quick check for substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient approach to eliminating drug usage in most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples that are potentially positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.

Should a sample test potentially positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.

Verification of a positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All potentially positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.

Merits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests, which have a shorter detection period.
• Challenging to deceive: It is very challenging to falsify a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: It can depict a pattern of drug consumption over time, not just recent use.

Drawbacks:

• Incapable of detecting recent consumption: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Cost: Hair drug tests are generally pricier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variations: Factors such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth may impact the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: While often called "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why choose hair follicle testing over urine tests in Parkland, FL? The advantages are compelling. Hair tests boast superior detection accuracy, providing more reliable insights into substance use. Unlike urine tests, which may miss recent drug use or be deceived, hair analysis serves as a trustworthy method, assuring both employers and individuals of its efficacy in substance detection.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Parkland, FL, stands out for its long detection window, spanning up to 90 days. For employers seeking a holistic understanding of an applicant's or employee's drug history, this approach is invaluable. It goes beyond short-term analysis, capturing a comprehensive view of an individual's substance habits, offering a substantial advantage in hiring and monitoring processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Parkland, FL, the integrity of hair follicle testing is unmatched due to its robust tamper-resistant properties. This method significantly lowers the risk of sample manipulation, ensuring the results are both dependable and undisputed. Such reliability is critical for those who need assurance in the face of testing challenges, setting it apart from other testing methods.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience is key in Parkland, FL, with our vast network of testing centers nationwide. Accessing hair follicle testing services is swift and straightforward, whether you're seeking a local center or one across the country. This ease of access ensures that testing is hassle-free, catering to anyone's needs quickly and efficiently.

Simple, Confidential Process

Experiencing the seamless and private process of hair follicle testing in Parkland, FL ensures your peace of mind. From ordering to receiving results, every step respects your privacy, making the process both straightforward and discreet. Addressing confidentiality concerns is paramount, reinforcing trust in this essential service.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Parkland, FL, we offer competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle tests, providing excellent value. Our cost-effective approach does not compromise quality or speed, ensuring you receive swift and reliable results that fit any budget. Companies of all sizes benefit from our dedication to affordability and efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Parkland, FL, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched accuracy and speed, ensuring results you can count on. Their reliability in identifying substance use is superior, with high precision in detecting even trace amounts of drugs. When it's crucial to have rapid, trustworthy results, this method stands out, making it an ideal choice for various testing needs.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Parkland, FL, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, bolstering safety and minimizing legal liabilities. Utilizing this method contributes to a secure work environment, enhancing compliance and peace of mind. It's a strategic decision that promotes organizational integrity and trust among stakeholders.

Drug Testing Near Parkland, FL

Bonnie Lock-Woodsetter North, FL

Tamarac, FL

Hamptons at Boca Raton, FL

Coconut Creek, FL

Boca Pointe, FL

Margate, FL

Mission Bay, FL

Sandalfoot Cove, FL

Coral Springs, FL

Hillsboro Pines, FL

Watergate, FL

Ramblewood East, FL

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews