Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Griggsville, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When acquired from near the scalp, hair can offer an estimated 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil), nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond ten panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be provided, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axilla, etc.).

Process Overview

The core procedures involved in processing a drug test result in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any required data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody framework.

Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for controlled substances. While Screening offers a cost-efficient strategy for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that exhibit presumptive positives during Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.

Should the Screening phase suggest a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for the Extraction process. During this phase, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.

Any positive outcome from the Screening process undergoes Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples showing presumptive positivity are cleaned before confirmation. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and in alignment with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection length: Hair drug tests can detect drug use for a period of up to 90 days, in comparison to urine tests that have a much shorter detection range.
• Resistance to tampering: It's exceedingly challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, enhancing the reliability of results.
• Offers historical insight: It reveals a pattern of drug use over an extended period, as opposed to merely capturing recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent usage: Approximately 5-7 days are needed for substances to be identifiable in hair.
• Cost implications: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual hair growth variances might influence the concentration of drug metabolites within the hair.

Note: Although frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing drug test methods in Griggsville, IL, hair follicle testing clearly outperforms urine tests. The benefits of hair testing include a broader detection window and increased reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair samples offer superior accuracy, making them an invaluable tool for employers seeking to maintain drug-free environments.

Extended Detection Window

One of the standout features of hair follicle drug testing in Griggsville, IL, is its extensive detection window. These tests can trace substance use for up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive view of an employee or applicant’s drug history. This extended period allows employers to assess behavior over time, rather than just the recent past.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Known for their resistance to tampering, hair follicle tests in Griggsville, IL, greatly reduce the risks of sample adulteration. Testing methods have evolved to deliver reliable and unquestionable results, assuring employers that the data they receive is accurate and untainted. This integrity is critical in maintaining trust and control over workplace safety measures.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing ensures the convenience of nationwide and local centers in Griggsville, IL, providing easy access to testing services without hassle. Whether in a metropolitan area or a small town, our locations are strategically positioned to offer quick and efficient drug testing solutions to clients across the region.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Griggsville, IL, the process of engaging in hair follicle drug tests is both simple and confidential. From the point of order to the receipt of results, every step maintains a focus on privacy and ease of use, alleviating concerns about data security while ensuring a straightforward experience for all participants.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Griggsville, IL businesses benefit from our affordable pricing and fast result turnaround times. Competitive pricing structures are designed to deliver exceptional value, catering to companies of varying sizes. Fast service combined with budget-friendly rates allows clients to achieve effective workforce management without financial strain.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Griggsville, IL, come with unmatched precision and quick turnaround. Their accuracy in pinpointing substance use outshines other methods, providing employers with reliable data. Results from these tests ensure a comprehensive overview within a short time frame, adding value to the decision-making process for recruiters and administrators in the area.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For businesses in Griggsville, IL, adopting hair follicle testing aligns with achieving compliance with drug-free workplace policies. These tests not only reduce legal risks but also enhance workplace safety. Employers can experience peace of mind, knowing they’re backed by reliable testing that mitigates substance use concerns effectively.

Drug Testing Near Griggsville, IL

El Dara, IL

Winchester, IL

New Hartford, IL

Versailles, IL

Exeter, IL

Meredosia, IL

Bluffs, IL

Time, IL

Baylis, IL

Pittsfield, IL

Florence, IL

Naples, IL

Detroit, IL

New Salem, IL

Valley City, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews