Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Henderson, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can archive extended histories of drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers within the strands. When hair is cut near the scalp, it can provide up to about a three-month period for detecting drug and alcohol use. Collection is straightforward, alteration is challenging, and transport is uncomplicated.

A sample cut at 1.5 inches from around 200 hair strands, approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil, near the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal amount for initial testing and validation. For EtG extensions and/or tests greater than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be obtained. "Head hair" strictly refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other types like facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The drug testing laboratory procedure involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample is first integrated into the laboratory’s system. This step confirms the proper sealing and dispatch of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as a preliminary step to quickly assess drug presence. Although Screening is cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in most samples, a secondary confirmation is necessary for any positive result to be court admissible. Presumptively positive samples from this stage must undergo additional confirmation.

For samples deemed positive in Screening, more hair from the sample is used for Extraction. This process extracts drugs from the hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing quite complex.

GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies are employed to verify any positive results in Confirmation. All samples that test presumptively positive are cleaned before confirmation if needed. The full laboratory workflow from Accessioning through Confirmation is audited by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can detect drugs up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have narrower time frames.
• Challenges cheating: Tampering with hair drug tests is very difficult, yielding more trustworthy results.
• Offers historical insight: It can map drug consumption patterns over time, beyond just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of identifying recent drug use: Drugs become traceable in hair only after 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug testing generally costs more than other testing alternatives.
• Inconsistent results: Factors like hair color and personal hair growth rates can impact metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand instead of the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Henderson, IL

When comparing the effectiveness of hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, the former stands out due to its superior detection and accuracy. In Henderson, IL, hair tests provide an extended detection window and are less susceptible to manipulation. Its precision offers clear and reliable results, making it the preferred choice for employers wanting to ensure a drug-free environment.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Henderson, IL

With the capability to detect drug use over a span of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing offers employers in Henderson, IL, comprehensive insights into an applicant or employee's substance history. This prolonged detection period provides a broader scope for understanding past behaviors, aiding in making informed decisions regarding potential hires or current employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Henderson, IL

Hair follicle tests dramatically lower the risk of tampering, thereby providing Henderson, IL, with results that are both reliable and unquestionable. This makes it a trustworthy testing method for detecting substances, as it's nearly impossible to alter the sample, establishing greater integrity and dependability in the drug testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Henderson, IL

Whether in Henderson, IL, or across the nation, our testing centers offer convenience and ease of access. These facilities ensure a smooth, stress-free experience for individuals seeking testing services. Our widespread presence makes it simple for clients to utilize our services without the hassle of extensive travel.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Henderson, IL

In Henderson, IL, the process of ordering, participating in, and receiving hair follicle test results is both simple and confidential. We address privacy concerns with utmost importance, ensuring that all procedures are straightforward and secure, providing peace of mind that all handled data remains private and protected.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Henderson, IL

Offering competitive pricing and speedy turnaround in Henderson, IL, we ensure companies of varying sizes receive excellent value. Our efficient processes deliver results promptly, reinforcing trust and ensuring peace of mind due to our affordable and timely service, making us a preferred choice for numerous organizations.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Henderson, IL

Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for providing rapid and precise results. In Henderson, IL, individuals can rely on this advanced testing method to detect substance use with high accuracy. The efficiency of this procedure not only affirms its reliability but also ensures that results are delivered swiftly and accurately, guaranteeing dependable information for all stakeholders involved.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Henderson, IL

Employers in Henderson, IL, can ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies through hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal risks while enhancing safety, as its extended detection capabilities provide thorough, compliant results. Such stringent compliance ensures peace of mind, helping maintain a safe and rule-abiding work 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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