Hair Follicle Drug Testing - East Alton, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. This method tracks a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the growing hair strands. When the hair is cut near the scalp, it can reveal a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.

A 1.5-inch hair sample of around 200 strands near the scalp, comparable in size to a #2 pencil, provides 100mg of hair—ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, or those beyond 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (e.g., facial, axillary).

Procedure Synopsis

The principal four phases in the lab processing of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the preliminary sample processing into the laboratory’s system. This procedure involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input not included by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid examination for drug abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use for the majority of samples, a positive screen must be verified to be court-admissible. Any samples presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.

If a sample is deemed presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which underscores the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed if needed prior to confirmation. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can spot drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a limited detection timeframe.
• Hard to falsify: It is very challenging to deceive a hair drug test, which ensures more precise results.
• Offers historical insight: It can show a pattern of drug use over time, not merely recent consumption.

Drawbacks:

• Cannot detect recent consumption: Drugs typically take 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be pricier compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Hair color differences and individual hair growth rates may impact drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why choose hair follicle testing over urine tests in East Alton, IL? The answer lies in superior detection capabilities. Hair tests boast a longer detection window and greater accuracy, capturing drug use often missed by traditional urine tests. This advanced testing method offers reliable results, making it the preferred option for those seeking comprehensive substance use screening.

Extended Detection Window

Among employers in East Alton, IL, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a standout feature. The ability to identify substances used up to 90 days prior offers an expansive view of an individual's drug history. This capability ensures employers have the necessary information to make informed decisions about potential or current employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In East Alton, IL, hair follicle testing is renowned for its resistance to tampering. This method drastically reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that results remain trustworthy and accurate. It's a robust testing solution against attempts to alter samples, providing peace of mind for both testers and those requiring testing.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience is key in East Alton, IL, thanks to our numerous nationwide testing centers. These locations are easy to access, ensuring that the testing process is free from hassle. Whether local or across the country, individuals have rapid access to our comprehensive hair follicle testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in East Alton, IL, is both simple and confidential. It's designed to ensure ease of use while maintaining privacy. From ordering and conducting the test to receiving results, the process is streamlined to address concerns over confidentiality and usability, making it accessible for all.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In East Alton, IL, our hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing and rapid turnaround. Companies experience excellent value through our competitive structures and swift delivery of results. This combination of affordability and speed ensures that businesses of all sizes can benefit from our reliable testing services comfortably.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In East Alton, IL, hair follicle drug tests are known for their high accuracy and prompt results. These tests quickly identify the presence of substances, ensuring reliable data for employers and individuals. The precision of hair testing methods makes them stand out in comparison to other testing forms, providing an exact snapshot that's both fast and trustworthy.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

East Alton, IL employers find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, aligning with drug-free workplace policies and reducing legal risks. This reliable testing helps maintain safety standards, supporting compliance with company and regulatory expectations. It stands as a vital tool in sustaining a secure and compliant 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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