Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Illiopolis, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended overview of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the growing hair. When harvested near the scalp, this method potentially reveals drug and alcohol usage over a span of approximately three months. Hair is straightforward to obtain, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A segment measuring 1.5 inches containing roughly 200 strands, akin to a #2 pencil in thickness, yields approximately 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or those surpassing 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. Mention of head hair pertains strictly to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation are the four fundamental phases in the lab handling of a drug test outcome.

Accessioning starts with the preliminary incorporation of a sample into a laboratory's system. This involves validating proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entries not included by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves an initial rapid detection for drugs. While being a cost-effective approach for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screening result must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Samples with a presumptive positive from Screening need further confirmation.

For samples that test presumptively positive at Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. This phase extracts drugs at a lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), marking hair testing as the most intricate method to perform.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo a cleanse before confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long-term detection: Hair drug tests can register drug usage up to 90 days, surpassing urine tests' shorter detection span.
• Challenge to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is highly difficult, ensuring more reliable results.
• Offers historical consumption insights: It provides a pattern of drug habits over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent intake: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately after 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are often costlier compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Differences such as hair color and personal hair growth rates can impact drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the process actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Illiopolis, IL, hair follicle testing is unrivaled when compared to urine tests due to its unparalleled detection accuracy. Hair tests can identify drug use over a longer span.
This method ensures a more comprehensive substance screening, providing employers with reliable information.

While urine tests might serve immediate detection needs, hair follicle testing offers a superior depth in identifying substance use history.
Employers are empowered with the knowledge to make informed decisions about candidates.

Extended Detection Window

One of the most significant advantages of hair follicle testing is its long detection window, up to 90 days. In Illiopolis, IL, this method enables employers to obtain an extensive look into an individual’s drug history.
This extended window allows for more informed hiring and management decisions, making it invaluable for maintaining workplace integrity.

The hair test’s extended detection period uncovers substance use over weeks and months, rather than days. Employers benefit from this comprehensive data for assessing applicants or employees.
It's an ideal choice for consistent policy enforcement.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration in Illiopolis, IL. These tests offer trustworthy, tamper-proof results.
They provide an unbiased and secure method of drug screening, protecting businesses from misleading information.

By eliminating the ease of modifying samples, hair follicle testing stands as a reliable alternative. With its resilient nature against tampering, results remain credible and defendable.
Employers can thus maintain steadfast drug-free policies with confidence.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient access to testing services in Illiopolis, IL, through our comprehensive network of testing centers nationwide. Local facilities guarantee easy reach for all.
This expansive access reduces time and logistical barriers, encouraging timely and efficient drug testing.

Our strategically placed centers in various locations simplify the testing process for employers.
With nationwide availability, no corner is left uncovered, ensuring community-wide drug testing adherence and convenience.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Illiopolis, IL, our drug testing process remains straightforward and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is a seamless experience. Privacy concerns are eased as our process emphasizes customer confidentiality.
The simplicity of the entire transaction assures peace of mind from start to finish.

Clients can expect a streamlined interaction with the testing procedure.
Ensuring an uncomplicated method without compromising confidentiality, accredited testing remains at the forefront of ease of use.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

We offer competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times in Illiopolis, IL, granting businesses excellent value. Our affordable structures ensure companies of any size rest easy knowing they are spending wisely.
Fast results allow organizations to act on findings without delay, reinforcing the importance of using cost-effective yet reliable testing methods.

In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of affordable and timely solutions cannot be overstated.
Accredited Drug Testing stands out for not only economic pricing but also swift response, aiding budget-conscious enterprises.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and swift outcome of hair follicle drug testing make it a premier choice in Illiopolis, IL. Hair testing provides rapid and accurate detection of substance use.
With quick processing times, the results are reliable, helping in making timely decisions.

For accurate substance use detection, hair follicle testing stands out. Its high precision offers employers confidence in test results.
Such tests are essential for maintaining a drug-free work environment in today's competitive landscape.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Illiopolis, IL, achieve peace of mind with hair follicle testing, as it aids in ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Hair tests effectively reduce legal risks.
By choosing hair follicle testing, businesses strengthen workplace safety and attest to their commitment to health standards.

The benefits of hair follicle testing stretch beyond compliance; they bolster an environment of trust and accountability.
Employers are assured of implementing foolproof methods that keep drug use at bay within their establishments.

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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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