Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Alpha, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as a potent means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer up to an approximate 3-month monitoring period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (about as thick as a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100 mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150 mg of hair is advised. We suggest weighing the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be gathered. Reference to head hair indicates scalp hair specifically, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab processing of a drug test result encompasses four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This process involves ensuring the sample was adequately sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody.

Screening conducts an initial swift assessment for controlled substances. Although Screening offers a cost-effective technique to dismiss drug use across most samples, any positive outcomes require further verification for legal acceptability. Samples yielding a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

Should a sample emerge as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is gathered from the primary specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a substantially lower concentration compared to alternate methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any presumptive positive screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The overarching lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is validated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use extending to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests with a limited detection period.
• Hard to falsify: Cheating on a hair drug test is nearly impossible, enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Conveys historical usage: Offers a pattern of substance use over time, beyond just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs take about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other drug screening methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Alpha, IL
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing not only
provides a longer detection period but also significantly lowers the chances of tampering, leading to more dependable outcomes.
This makes it an invaluable tool for maintaining a drug-free workplace.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Alpha, IL
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, capturing a comprehensive history of substance use.
This feature gives employers the necessary insight into an individual's past drug-related behavior, aiding in thorough assessments
and informed decision-making during recruitment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Alpha, IL
The hair follicle drug test is significantly more tamper-resistant than other methods, drastically reducing the possibility
of sample adulteration. This advantage ensures that the results are reliable and unquestionable, making it a trustworthy
choice for organizations aiming to maintain integrity in their drug testing protocols.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Alpha, IL
With numerous testing centers spread nationwide, accessing hair follicle testing in Alpha, IL, is quick and hassle-free.
The convenience of our locations ensures easy access, making the drug testing process seamless for individuals and
organizations seeking efficient and reliable testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Alpha, IL
Our straightforward and confidential process for ordering, conducting, and receiving test results addresses any privacy concerns
you might have. The seamless procedure simplifies the experience, ensuring ease of use and peace of mind for all involved,
focusing on confidentiality and simplicity throughout.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Alpha, IL
Our competitive pricing structures coupled with rapid turnaround times make hair follicle testing both cost-effective and
efficient for companies. This combination offers excellent value while providing peace of mind, as businesses of all
sizes can benefit from the balance of affordability and quality service.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Alpha, IL
Employers in Alpha, IL, rely on hair follicle drug tests for their exceptional precision and speed. This method guarantees
high accuracy in uncovering drug usage, making it a preferred choice. Besides delivering trustworthy results, the process
ensures rapid turnaround, helping organizations make informed decisions swiftly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Alpha, IL
Employers opting for hair follicle testing can maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies and decrease legal risks.
This testing method enhances workplace safety and offers peace of mind by ensuring that rigorous standards are upheld
consistently across the board.

Drug Testing Near Alpha, IL

Bishop Hill, IL

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Wataga, IL

Matherville, IL

Altona, IL

Cambridge, IL

Oneida, IL

Orion, IL

Sherrard, IL

Viola, IL

North Henderson, IL

Andover, IL

Rio, IL

Woodhull, IL

New Windsor, IL

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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