Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Leesburg, GA

What it is, How it works

Hair assessments are increasingly recognized as an effective means to uncover drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a detailed history of alcohol and drugs by securing biomarkers within the strands as the hair grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can provide an approximate three-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for shipping.

A 1.5-inch portion comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil thickness) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is suggested to gauge the sample with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a corresponding amount of body hair may be gathered. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four key phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial intake of a sample into the lab's processes. This includes ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial rapid evaluation for drugs. While efficient in ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be court-ready. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a confirmatory analysis.

Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn out from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other measures (urine or oral fluid), signifying the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of a positive screen is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection range: Hair drug assessments can discover drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a shorter detection range.
• Hard to deceive: Manipulating a hair drug test is very difficult, resulting in more accurate findings.
• Displays historical usage: It can illustrate a timeline of drug use over an interval, beyond just recent use.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent use: There is a 5-7 day period before drugs become detectable in hair strands.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically involve higher costs compared to other testing methods.
• Result variations: Factors such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can affect drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination is carried out on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the skin.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Leesburg, GA
The superiority of hair follicle testing over urine testing lies in its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests have a prolonged tracing period, allowing for comprehensive assessment of substance use history.

While urine testing is common, hair follicle tests deliver more reliable results by capturing a wider timeframe of drug usage, offering employers a clearer view of potential employees' drug habits.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Leesburg, GA
Hair follicle testing boasts an extended detection period of substance use that spans up to 90 days, far surpassing the typical timeframe of other testing methods. This enables employers to garner a broader understanding of an individual's drug use history.

For employers, this lengthy detection duration is vital, as it reveals repeat usage patterns, thus offering a substantial edge in screening prospective or current employees effectively.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Leesburg, GA
Hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant method of drug screening, drastically lowering the chances of sample adulteration and ensuring integrity of results. Unlike other tests, it’s near impossible to alter hair samples.

This resistance to tampering assures employers of the credibility of test outcomes, thus fostering a reliable drug-free work environment without the fear of manipulated results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Leesburg, GA
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including those in Leesburg, GA, offers easy and convenient access to drug testing services.

These centrally located facilities ensure a seamless, hassle-free testing experience, whether for pre-employment screening or regular staff assessments, simplifying the process for employers and employees alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Leesburg, GA
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results in Leesburg, GA is straightforward and ensures complete confidentiality, meeting privacy concerns head-on.

This simplicity and assurance of privacy make the testing process amenable to individuals and employers alike, ensuring that personal data remains secure while facilitating easy access to important drug test results.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Leesburg, GA
We offer competitive pricing structures alongside rapid turnaround times for hair follicle tests, providing significant value for businesses regardless of their size.

Our affordable rates and swift results ensure that Leesburg, GA companies can maintain their drug-free policies without breaking the bank, delivering both peace of mind and excellent financial value.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Leesburg, GA
Hair follicle drug tests offer swift and precise detection of substance use, significantly enhancing the reliability of test results compared to other methods. The accuracy and speed of these tests make them ideal for employers seeking quick and trustworthy drug screening solutions.

With a robust detection capability, hair testing ensures that any traces of drugs are accurately identified, providing employers with the confidence they need in their drug screening process.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Leesburg, GA
Implementing hair follicle testing guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and fostering a safer work atmosphere. Employers gain confidence in their compliance and security.

This testing method reinforces policy compliance and considerably enhances workplace safety, securing peace of mind for employers concerned with maintaining a drug-free environment.

Drug Testing Near Leesburg, GA

Doles, GA

DeSoto, GA

Warwick, GA

Leslie, GA

Herod, GA

Acree, GA

Bronwood, GA

Smithville, GA

East Dougherty, GA

Oakfield, GA

West Dougherty, GA

Sasser, GA

Philema, GA

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