Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lincoln, ID

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly viewed as a potent method for detecting the presence of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use, as biomarkers become embedded within the fibers of the growing hair. By collecting hair near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, it is relatively tamper-proof, and transportation is uncomplicated.

Collecting a 1.5-inch sample from about 200 hair strands—approximately the width of a #2 pencil—nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation testing. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests with more than 10 panels, 150mg of the hair is suggested. We advise measuring the hair specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning takes care of the initial sample intake within a laboratory's system. This process includes confirming that the sample was both sealed and shipped correctly, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any supplementary information that an electronic chain of custody system does not provide.

Screening is a preliminary swift assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective means of excluding drug use in most samples, any positive screening results must be confirmed for them to be legally acceptable. Samples that indicate presumptive positives during Screening do require a secondary confirmation test.

If a presumptive positive result is obtained during the Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are separated from hair at reduced concentrations compared to alternative methodologies (for instance, urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is amongst the most challenging methodologies to execute.

Confirmation of any Screening positive result is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positives undergo a pre-confirmation wash as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is conducted under the guidelines of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can detect drug use extending up to 90 days, whereas urine tests allow for a shorter detection duration.
• Hard to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is markedly difficult, therefore fostering more reliable outcomes.
• Historical usage data: It is capable of revealing a drug use pattern over a span of time, not just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Limited in detecting recent usage: Drugs typically become detectable in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Cost considerations: Hair drug tests tend to be more costly compared to alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites found in the hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", it is the hair strand that is analyzed, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing drug testing methods in Lincoln, ID, hair follicle tests emerge superior to urine tests. The detailed detection offered by hair analysis uncovers substance use with a higher degree of certainty than traditional urine tests. Hair samples capture a more extended drug use history, making them a reliable method for comprehensive assessments.

The precision and reliability offered by hair testing far exceed those of urine tests. Hair follicle tests provide insights into longer-term substance use, making them more advantageous for employers and legal entities aiming for more thorough screening processes in Lincoln.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Lincoln, ID, is a standout feature. It offers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, making it invaluable for employers looking to enforce long-term drug-free policies. The ability to detect drug use up to 90 days back provides a fuller picture of habits and behaviors.

This method's advantage lies in its capacity to reveal substance use over extended periods. For employers, this means a more detailed understanding of an applicant or employee's lifestyle, contributing to better informed hiring and management decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Lincoln, ID, is known for its strong resistance to tampering. The testing process is designed to minimize the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that results are trustworthy and precise. The integrity of the sample is preserved through stringent collection methods, making it nearly impossible to influence results artificially.

This tamper-resistant nature of hair tests enhances the validity of the findings. Employers and officials can rely on these results with confidence, trusting in the robustness of the methodology to deliver honest, unaltered accounts of substance use.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations across Lincoln, ID, and beyond. Our nationwide network ensures that testing is accessible and hassle-free, providing multiple centers for ease of scheduling and prompt service. The availability of local sites simplifies the process for all participants, making drug testing a straightforward experience.

The strategic placement of our testing centers supports swift and efficient service delivery. Whether in Lincoln or elsewhere, our facilities are designed to cater to the needs of individuals and businesses, ensuring that testing procedures are as seamless as possible.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Lincoln, ID, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving results, the procedure is streamlined and designed with privacy in mind. Participants can be assured of a discreet process that maintains confidentiality and ease of use at each step.

Understanding privacy concerns, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that all testing stages are conducted with the utmost respect for client confidentiality. The simplicity of the process combined with an emphasis on privacy makes hair testing an accessible choice for all.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing in Lincoln, ID, offers competitive pricing for hair follicle drug tests. Our cost-effective pricing models are designed to provide excellent value without sacrificing quality or turnaround times. Clients benefit from both affordable services and rapid results delivery.

The commitment to affordability does not compromise the speed of delivery. Our quick turnaround times ensure that companies of all sizes receive timely data, contributing to informed decision-making processes and enhanced peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Lincoln, ID, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their rapid and precise outcomes. Employers and individuals seeking reliable substance use information trust these tests for their high sensitivity and accuracy, ensuring informed decisions based on clear results. The swift processing of samples allows for expedited reporting without compromising on detail or dependability.

The accuracy of hair follicle testing comes from its thoroughness in screening. The speed at which results are obtained is matched by an unwavering commitment to precision, giving peace of mind to all parties involved. This balance of speed and reliability makes it an ideal choice for timely and accurate assessments in Lincoln.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Lincoln, ID, hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free policies. This method significantly reduces legal risks while enhancing workplace safety. By implementing hair testing, employers can ensure a drug-free environment, contributing to a more secure and productive organizational culture.

Peace of mind comes from knowing that the testing process is both thorough and compliant with legal standards. Employers benefit from the assurance that they are meeting regulatory requirements while safeguarding the workplace against substance-related incidents.

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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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