Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Hume, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying usage of drugs and alcohol. The fibres of hair strands capture biomarkers from drugs and alcohol for a longer duration. When clipped near the scalp, hair can show a drug and alcohol usage history of up to around three months. Hair collection is straightforward, less susceptible to tampering, and conveniently transported.

For an effective screening and confirmation, a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil) near the scalp is needed to collect 100mg, the optimal sample. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is preferred. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for this purpose. In instances where scalp hair is not available, a similar volume of body hair can be taken. "Head hair" specifically refers to the hair on the scalp, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary).

Process Overview

The drug test laboratory process involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample is initially entered into the lab’s database. This step confirms the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any needed data entry not already provided through an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary rapid check for drug substances. While Screening is a cost-efficient method for negating drug use in most samples, a positive outcome must be verified for legal admissibility. Samples that test positive at the Screening stage necessitate a subsequent confirmation.

For Screening-positive samples, additional hair from the original specimen is used in the Extraction phase. During this step, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug analysis is the most challenging method to execute.

To confirm positive screenings, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS is utilized. All positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug analysis can identify drug use for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests with shorter detection spans.
• Hard to evade: Cheating a hair drug test is very challenging, yielding more reliable outcomes.
• Historical insight: It reveals a trend of drug usage over time, beyond immediate use.

Limitations:

• Immediate use undetectable: Drugs take around 5-7 days to manifest in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug analysis typically costs more than other testing approaches.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and hair growth differences can alter drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Hume, IL underscores its superiority over traditional urine tests. Benefits include:

• Longer detection period.
• More reliable results.
• Highly resistant to tampering attempts.

Extended Detection Window

In Hume, IL, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window up to 90 days.

• Comprehensive overview for employers.
• Covered substance history exploring past 3 months.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hume, IL introduces hair testing as a tamper-resistant method, minimizing sample adulteration risks.

• Ensures trustworthy results.
• Deters evasion attempts with secure collection techniques.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With nationwide testing site locator, including Hume, IL, drug testing has never been easier.

• Effortless access to testing.
• Streamlined processes ensure hassle-free experiences.

Simple, Confidential Process

Experience a simple and confidential testing process in Hume, IL.

• Order, test, and receive results seamlessly.
• Privacy is upheld throughout the process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Hume, IL, enjoy affordable pricing and rapid turnaround for hair testing.

• Competitive pricing structures.
• Quick processing ensures timely outcomes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Hume, IL, hair follicle tests promise fast, accurate results, highlighting their ability to precisely pinpoint substance use.

• These tests swiftly deliver outcomes.
• An industry leader in detection precision.
• Offers peace of mind by ensuring reliability.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Hume, IL gain peace of mind with hair follicle drug testing aligning with drug-free workplace policies.

• Reduces legal liabilities.
• Boosts workplace safety.

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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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