Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Dacula, GA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective instrument for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair offers an extensive timeline of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When harvested near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window for alcohol and other substances lasting up to nearly 3 months. Hair is straightforward to collect, quite challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch hair sample, consisting of approximately 200 strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the perfect specimen for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler's scale for specimen weight is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be obtained. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types such as facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome encompasses four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

In Accessioning, the early processing of a sample into the lab's system occurs. This step involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any extra data not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening features an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Though Screening provides an economical means of eliminating drug usage across most samples, a positive result must be corroborated for court admissibility. Samples testing presumptively positive during Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.

Upon a presumptive positive outcome in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations than through other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is particularly intricate.

Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is completed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples with presumptive positives undergo washing as necessary. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the complete lab process is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug testing can identify drug intake for up to 90 days, contrasting with urine testing which offers a shorter window.
• Hard to falsify: Cheating on a hair drug test is extremely challenging, enhancing result accuracy.
• Delivers historical information: It reveals a drug use pattern over time, not limited to recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: There is a 5-7 day delay for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Drug metabolite concentrations in hair can be influenced by factors like hair color and individual growth differences.

Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," it is the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp, that is analyzed.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Dacula, GA, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in several ways. The main benefit lies in its superior detection accuracy, capturing substance use over a longer period, which is crucial for employers needing detailed insights.

Unlike urine tests that are limited in their detection window, hair testing provides comprehensive data, confirming its reliability. This makes it the preferred choice for those requiring stringent drug monitoring.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Dacula, GA, provides an extended detection period, often up to 90 days, offering employers a thorough insight into an individual’s substance use history.

This prolonged window allows companies to better assess an applicant or employee’s long-term habits, proving more effective than traditional testing methods which only cover short intervals.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Dacula, GA, are notably tamper-resistant, ensuring the integrity of samples. The structured collection process drastically reduces the chances of adulteration.

By minimizing the possibility of interference, these tests uphold reliability and trustworthiness, making them an ideal choice for organizations requiring dependable drug screening methods.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous testing centers nationwide, including in Dacula, GA, individuals benefit from the convenience and accessibility of our drug testing services.

Our widespread locations ensure that obtaining a hair follicle test is swift and hassle-free, catering to the comprehensive needs of clients across the country.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Dacula, GA, is designed to be straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively.

From ordering to receiving results, every step is simplified for ease of use, ensuring that individuals can navigate the process smoothly while maintaining confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our drug testing services in Dacula, GA, are competitively priced, offering fast turnaround times that provide excellent value for companies of all sizes.

With a focus on affordability, businesses can rely on our efficient service to meet their drug testing needs without straining their budgets.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Dacula, GA, hair follicle tests are known for swift and precise results. These tests are highly accurate and capable of detecting a wide range of substances, making them an ideal choice for those seeking reliable drug screening solutions.

The efficiency of hair follicle tests ensures quick results without compromising on accuracy. This high level of precision is crucial for employers who need immediate, dependable data regarding substance use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Dacula, GA, can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies by using hair follicle testing. This not only reduces potential legal risks but also promotes a safer work environment.

By leveraging this testing method, businesses safeguard their operations and workforce, gaining peace of mind through adherence to strict drug use policies.

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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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