Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Imbs, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair strand’s fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, has a low likelihood of alteration, and is straightforward to transport.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, extended tests, and tests over 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. A jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the specimen. If unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the earliest step of processing a sample into the lab’s system. It involves ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any further data entry needed outside of an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. It's a cost-effective means of ruling out drug use in most samples, yet a positive screen needs confirmation to be court-admissible. Presumptively positive samples in Screening require a secondary confirmation.

When a sample yields a presumptively positive result in Screening, more hair is retrieved from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted at a much lower concentration in the hair than other methods (urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a difficult process.

Confirmation for any positive screen is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection timeframe.
• Difficulty to cheat: Cheating a hair drug test is very challenging, enhancing result accuracy.
• Provides historical data: It offers a pattern of drug use over time, not just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Detection in hair takes approximately 5-7 days post-drug use.
• Cost: Hair drug tests are generally pricier than other drug testing methods.
• Variations in results: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: While often termed “hair follicle tests,” the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When it comes to drug screening in Imbs, IL, hair follicle testing presents significant benefits over urine tests. While traditional urine tests only detect recent drug use, hair tests extend the examination period up to 90 days, offering a more comprehensive detection of substance use.

Compared to urine tests, hair follicle tests in Imbs, IL provide a highly accurate and reliable detection method. This accuracy becomes crucial for employers and agencies that cannot afford any margin for error. The long detection window and resistance to tampering make hair testing superior.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Imbs, IL offers an extended detection window that is unmatched by traditional testing methods. Providing a window up to 90 days, it allows employers to gain a thorough insight into the substance use habits of applicants or employees, something urine tests cannot do.

The ability of hair follicle testing to detect drug use over a prolonged period is invaluable. In Imbs, IL, companies seeking comprehensive assessments opt for this method, ensuring they have the information they need to make informed decisions about their workforce's drug use history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Imbs, IL, hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant solution to drug testing. The risk of sample adulteration is significantly reduced, ensuring the integrity of the results. This makes hair testing a reliable choice for organizations needing unquestionable test outcomes.

Employers and legal bodies in Imbs, IL favor hair follicle testing due to its resistance to manipulation. This method ensures that attempts to alter or fake a test outcome are virtually impossible, bringing confidence and trust in the results produced.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With conveniently located testing centers throughout Imbs, IL, accessing hair follicle testing services is easy and hassle-free. Our nationwide network ensures you can find a nearby center readily, making the testing process quick and efficient.

In Imbs, IL, our widespread testing locations provide a simple and effective solution for those needing fast drug tests. Never worry about long drives or complicated scheduling; our broad network ensures all testing needs are met promptly and smoothly.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Imbs, IL is simple and confidential. From ordering to test-taking and receiving results, our streamlined approach guarantees ease-of-use while safeguarding personal privacy throughout the process.

Those undergoing hair follicle testing in Imbs, IL can expect a hassle-free and confidential experience. By protecting personal information and ensuring seamless coordination, we prioritize discretion and ease with every test administered.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Imbs, IL, hair follicle testing is available at competitive pricing, offering excellent value without compromising quality. Our fast turnaround times mean you get prompt results, enhancing decision-making processes for businesses of all sizes.

Our pricing structure for hair testing in Imbs, IL is designed to be affordable while providing quick results. Whether you represent a large corporation or a small business, our testing services offer exceptional value, allowing you to meet your needs efficiently.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Imbs, IL, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their unparalleled speed and accuracy in detecting drug use. The precision of this method is unmatched, making it a preferred choice for those seeking quick and reliable results. Employers find confidence in using hair tests, knowing they provide an accurate portrayal of an individual's substance use history.

These tests stand out for offering fast, precise results, efficiently identifying substance use with high reliability. Their efficacy in detecting recent and past drug use makes them essential in many scenarios. With a focus on providing expediency and confidence, hair follicle testing has become the go-to option in Imbs, IL.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Imbs, IL, hair follicle testing ensures peace of mind by aligning with workplace drug-free policies. This reliable testing method reduces legal liabilities and enhances safety by accurately monitoring employee substance use.

Using hair testing, companies in Imbs, IL can maintain compliance with workplace regulations, minimizing risk while enhancing their workplace safety. Reducing drug-related incidents leads to a more secure work environment, fostering long-term peace of mind for any business.

Drug Testing Near Imbs, IL

Swansea, IL

French Village, IL

Roachtown, IL

Columbia, IL

East Saint Louis, IL

East Carondelet, IL

Millstadt, IL

Sauget, IL

Alorton, IL

Cahokia, IL

Centreville, IL

Dupo, IL

Bluffside, IL

Stolle, IL

Westview, 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