Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Westwood Lakes, FL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it continues to grow. When taken near the scalp, it offers a detection period of up to roughly three months for both alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches with close to 200 hair strands (approximating the diameter of a #2 pencil) at the scalp end gives around 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both initial screenings and confirmations. For EtG, additional components, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is advised. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be taken. Note that head hair pertains to scalp hair while body hair includes all other forms (such as facial or axillary hair).

Process Outline

The principal phases in the lab's drug test result process include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the initial sample processing into the lab’s database. It involves ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required manual data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial rapid evaluation for illicit substances. While Screening offers a cost-effective approach to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen result must be substantiated to be recognized in legal settings. Samples that preliminarily test positive during Screening necessitate follow-up confirmation.

If a sample is initially positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original batch and prepped for Extraction. In this step, drugs are isolated from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening exceptionally challenging to execute.

Any positive screen findings are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples deemed presumptively positive undergo a washing process before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the whole laboratory pipeline is scrutinized under both the standards of CAP (College of American Pathologists) for Hair testing and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection duration: Hair drug tests are capable of identifying drug consumption for up to 90 days, compared to urine tests which have a more limited detection span.
• Reduced means to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is notably challenging, therefore elevating accuracy levels.
• Reveals usage patterns: It offers an insight into drug use trends across a span of time, as opposed to merely recent consumption.

Challenges:

• Inability to detect immediate consumption: It generally takes around 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier compared to other drug testing approaches.
• Result discrepancies: Factors like hair color and individual growth variability can influence drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests actually analyze the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Westwood Lakes, FL
Hair follicle testing provides a superior alternative to urine tests, offering enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine methods, hair tests significantly extend the observable time for substance use, making them a valuable tool for oversight and compliance.

• Detection periods cover up to 90 days.
• Results are far more difficult to manipulate.
• Better accuracy over longer periods.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Westwood Lakes, FL
Hair follicle testing stands out with its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This long detection window allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s drug use history, enhancing decision-making processes.

• Greatly expands insights beyond immediate testing.
• Offers robust historical drug use data.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Westwood Lakes, FL
The integrity of hair follicle tests significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering or adulteration. This testing method offers organizations dependable and unquestionable results, securing the credibility of the process.

• Minimizes risks associated with sample contamination.
• Offers a robust defense against test cheating.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Westwood Lakes, FL
With our nationwide network of testing centers, accessing hair follicle testing services is both quick and convenient. Whether in Westwood Lakes or any other city, our facilities ensure individuals can easily undergo testing without hassles.

• Strategically positioned centers for easy access.
• Simplified appointment scheduling across locations.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Westwood Lakes, FL
Our testing process is designed with simplicity and confidentiality in mind, allowing individuals to order, take, and receive results seamlessly. This approach emphasizes the privacy and ease of use every step of the way.

• Confidentiality is our priority in all procedures.
• Streamlined from scheduling to result delivery.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Westwood Lakes, FL
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle tests represent excellent value. These aspects provide peace of mind and ensure quality service, accommodating businesses regardless of size.

• Economical options for comprehensive testing.
• Efficient processes to hasten results dissemination.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Westwood Lakes, FL
Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and swiftness in substance use detection. The accuracy of these tests ensures that any trace of drugs is discovered with high dependability, providing both individuals and institutions confidence in the results obtained.

• The process is both efficient and comprehensive.
• Turnaround times are minimized, reducing waiting periods for test information.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Westwood Lakes, FL
Hair follicle testing plays a crucial role in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. These tests provide an assurance of adherence to regulations, reduce legal risks, and foster safer working environments.

• Supports zero-tolerance policies effectively.
• Bolsters legal compliance and reduces liability.

Drug Testing Near Westwood Lakes, FL

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Sweetwater, FL

Tamiami, FL

Sunset, FL

University Park, FL

South Westside, FL

Olympia Heights, FL

Westwood Lake, 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.

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