Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Westoak, GA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Through encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of hair that is growing, hair records an extended history of substance use. When taken near the scalp, it can indicate a detection span of roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and effortless to send.

A snippet of 1.5-inch hair consisting of about 200 strands (equivalent to the circumference of a #2 pencil) from the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, additional tests, and/or those assessing more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. It’s advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a similar bulk of body hair might be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it solely refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes every other kind (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome is comprised of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step of processing a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any data entry tasks not automated by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening performs a preliminary swift inspection for substances of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive finding must be validated for legal admissibility. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.

If a sample is deemed positive during the Screening stage, more hair is taken from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair in a significantly diluted concentration than with other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence, hair drug screening is the most challenging to perform.

Verification of any positive screening outcome is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected positive are cleansed before confirmation if required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes reviews under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug usage for a span of up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which offer a shorter detection period.
• Hard to fake: Hair drug tests are tough to manipulate, enhancing the precision of results.
• Shows usage history: Hair testing can exhibit a pattern of drug utilization over time, not only recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot determine recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug tests usually cost more compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Result variation: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing outperforms urine tests in Westoak, GA by offering extended detection and accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses detect substance usage over a longer duration.

• Hair tests provide reliable detection that urine tests may miss.
• These tests are particularly effective in identifying patterns of substance use, which is crucial for roles requiring vigilance.

Extended Detection Window

The hair follicle testing method in Westoak, GA is renowned for its extensive detection period, capturing up to 90 days of drug use evidence. This long window allows employers to glean comprehensive insights into an individual’s drug history.

• This method helps in understanding sustained substance habits.
• Employers gain a detailed view of potential hires or current employees, ensuring informed choices.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Employers in Westoak, GA find the hair follicle test advantageous due to its tamper-resistant nature. Sample adulteration is significantly minimized, leading to reliable results

• This test naturally resists common tampering methods that are prevalent with other testing techniques.
• Observed collection further reduces the risk of sample manipulation.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our expansive network of testing centers, including Westoak, GA, assures easy access to quick and seamless testing services. Nationwide facilities grant convenience, catering to various locations.

• Employers and individuals can access our services effortlessly, avoiding logistical constraints.
• Local availability means reduced wait times and expedited processes.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Westoak, GA, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential, from ordering to result retrieval. Privacy concerns are addressed effectively.

• Streamlined methods ensure a straightforward path for users.
• Confidentiality safeguards the individual’s data and results, fostering trust.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our competitive pricing paired with a quick turnaround in Westoak, GA makes hair follicle tests an economically sensible option. Businesses benefit from value without sacrificing quality.

• We offer fast processing times ensuring minimal disruptions and prompt outcomes.
• Affordable rates accommodate companies of various sizes, supporting diverse needs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Westoak, GA, hair follicle tests stand out for their swift, accurate results. They boast exceptional precision, swiftly identifying substance use compared to other methods.

• This method's speed often surpasses that of traditional tests, providing reliable data promptly.
• Accuracy ensures that results depict a true picture of substance use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle tests in Westoak, GA brings compliance and tranquility for employers seeking drug-free workplace policies. Implementing these tests lessens legal vulnerabilities, supporting company reputations.

• Employers enjoy assurance from a trusted testing encapsulation.
• This proactive approach bolsters workplace safety and reduces liability.

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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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