Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Ty Ty, GA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug traces by locking in biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, a hair sample can reveal drug and alcohol usage over an approximate three-month period. Collecting hair is straightforward, it is relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch section consisting of about 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, expanded panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is preferable. It’s advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the hair. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. All other types refer to body hair (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary stages in lab processing for determining drug test outcomes include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step that involves integrating a sample into the lab system. This step checks whether the sample was secured and shipped correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any missing data not found in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary check for drug presence. While it's a cost-effective method for dismissing drug presence in most samples, positive results must be verified for legal validity. Samples with presumed positive results require further confirmation.

When a sample shows potential positive results during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. In this stage, drugs are separated from the hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging test type to carry out.

Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is executed through methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples with presumed positive results are washed when necessary. The laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated against the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection range: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use over a 90-day timeframe, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection span.
• Difficult to falsify: Hair drug tests are hard to manipulate, enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: Shows a pattern of drug use over time, not only recent activities.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect instant usage: Drugs take about 5-7 days to appear in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be pricier than other drug testing types.
• Result variance: Aspects like hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels found in hair.

Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the scalp-embedded follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Ty Ty, GA, offers numerous advantages over traditional urine testing.
The standout feature is its superior detection capability, ensuring a more reliable screening process. The increased accuracy and reliability make it a favored method for those who demand the best in drug testing.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Ty Ty, GA, is a significant advantage.
This method provides a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance usage history, with the ability to detect drug use up to 90 days prior. Employers can gain a thorough perspective on applicants or employees, aiding in more informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Ty Ty, GA, are renowned for their resistance to tampering.
This testing method significantly minimizes sample adulteration, providing credible and indisputable results. Rely on hair tests to deliver unarguable findings and maintain integrity in drug testing processes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With nationwide testing centers, including local facilities in Ty Ty, GA, accessing hair follicle testing is effortless.
Enjoy seamless access to reliable testing services quickly and conveniently, without any hassle. Accredited Drug Testing provides easy solutions to meet your needs wherever you are.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Ty Ty, GA, hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential.
The process from ordering tests to receiving results is designed with privacy and ease in mind. Individuals and employers can be assured of a simple, secure testing experience without privacy concerns.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive pricing and quick turnaround make Hair Follicle Testing in Ty Ty, GA, an attractive option for companies.
Providing exceptional value, businesses of all sizes can benefit from affordable rates and fast results, ensuring confidence and satisfaction with their drug testing choices.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Ty Ty, GA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their unparalleled precision and speed. These tests are acknowledged for their impressive accuracy in identifying substance use, providing results that you can trust.
Hair tests ensure swift and reliable assessments, vital for making informed decisions with confidence and efficiency in any setting.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Ty Ty, GA, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
This testing method reduces legal risks and reinforces workplace safety, offering peace of mind. Employers can trust in these tests for maintaining a compliant and safe working environment.

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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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