Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Dahlgren, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the growing hair strand. Collected near the scalp, hair samples can present up to a three-month detection range for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp is ideal for a 100mg sample, suitable for screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional items, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample amounting to 150mg is advisable. A jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair imply scalp hair exclusively, while body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result includes the four steps of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s system occurs. This stage verifies the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides a preliminary assessment for potential drug abuse. While this method is economical for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result must undergo confirmation to be court-admissible. Presumptively positive Screening samples require secondary confirmation.

If a Screening stage sample tests presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is notably challenging.

Confirmation for positive screening results is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before Confirmation, any samples with presumptive positive results are washed as necessary. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed both under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug tests detect drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter detection periods.
• Challenging to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is challenging, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical usage data: Provides a drug usage pattern over time rather than recent usage only.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Higher cost: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual growth variations influence metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dahlgren, IL
Hair testing offers superior detection capabilities compared to urine tests. With its wider detection window and difficulty in falsification, it ascertains more reliable outcomes.

• Unmatched detection accuracy over longer periods.
• Enhanced reliability with collected evidence.
• Minimizes the chance of inaccurate results.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Dahlgren, IL
Hair follicle tests offer an invaluable timeframe by revealing drug use up to 90 days prior. This extensive period delivers comprehensive insights for employers.

• Broader time-range in assessing history.
• 90-day detection window for thorough reviews.
• Offers a detailed view into the substance use profile.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dahlgren, IL
The hair follicle test method virtually eliminates sample tampering issues, ensuring results remain consistent and unquestionable.

• Greatly reduces sample adulteration risks.
• Secures conclusive evidence with every test.
• Safeguards the integrity of findings.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dahlgren, IL
Our expansive network of testing centers simplifies the process, providing effortless access for timely evaluations.

• Wide-reaching network ensures coverage.
• Accessible locations for swift testing.
• Ease of access for every client.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Dahlgren, IL
Our testing protocol ensures a streamlined and discreet approach, safeguarding client privacy from order to result.

• Effortless procedure for participants.
• Guarantees confidentiality throughout.
• Straightforward and user-friendly method.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dahlgren, IL
Balancing cost with swift outcomes, our competitive pricing aligns with quick result delivery for optimal value.

• Budget-friendly options for all scales.
• Ensured fast turnaround times.
• Exceptional value for investment.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dahlgren, IL
Precision is paramount, and hair follicle tests provide swift and dependable results, detecting substance use with remarkable accuracy. Their well-documented reliability makes them a trusted choice.

• Immediate insights into drug use history.
• Minimized waiting times with rapid processing.
• Ensures accurate assessments for informed decisions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dahlgren, IL
Hair follicle testing promotes adherence to workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal threats and bolstering security.

• Assures adherence to corporate standards.
• Minimizes legal liabilities effectively.
• Secures workplace safety initiatives.

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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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