Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Jewett, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair has the capability to store long-term information about alcohol and other drugs, capturing biomarkers within the hair's growing strands. When hair samples are taken near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug intake for up to about three months. Hair sampling is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, equivalent body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four major phases in processing a drug test result in a lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is integrated into the lab’s system. The process includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening is a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is cost-efficient for predominantly negating drug use, a positive result requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.

In cases where a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves retrieving drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method.

Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that tested presumptive positive are washed before confirmation if needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is certified under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection range: Hair drug testing can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine testing which has a shorter detection span.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, enhancing result reliability.
• Historical usage insights: Hair testing can reveal trends of drug use over time, rather than recent usage alone.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs become traceable in hair only after roughly 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be more costly compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Differences such as hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle under the skin.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Jewett, IL, presents clear benefits over traditional urine tests. These tests offer greater accuracy and reliability, effectively detecting a broader range of substances with extended detection windows.

• Unaffected by short-term abstinence or fluid intake
• Ideal for employers enforcing strict drug policies

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Jewett, IL, is a significant advantage, capable of uncovering drug use over 90 days. This feature offers employers a detailed insight into an individual’s substance habits, well beyond the capabilities of other testing methods.

• Comprehensive historical analysis
• Crucial for maintaining strict hiring protocols

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Jewett, IL, hair follicle tests prove highly tamper-resistant, substantially lowering the risk of sample adulteration. This reliability ensures results are accurate and credible.

• Observed collection process enhances trust
• Minimizes result manipulation opportunities

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With nationwide testing locations, including Jewett, IL, scheduling and conducting tests is made easy and efficient. Such accessibility ensures that individuals and employers have swift and convenient access to high-quality testing services.

• Broad network guarantees local availability
• Facilitates seamless integration for companies

Simple, Confidential Process

In Jewett, IL, the hair testing process is both simple and confidential, addressing concerns over privacy and user-friendliness. The streamlined procedure from ordering to result retrieval reassures individuals of seamless service.

• Discreet handling maintains confidentiality
• Effortless steps from start to finish

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

With affordable pricing and rapid turnaround, hair follicle testing in Jewett, IL, offers excellent value and timeliness. This service accommodates various company sizes and needs, underscoring the importance of competitive cost efficiency.

• Quick response times enhance decision-making
• Cost-effective solutions for all businesses

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle testing in Jewett, IL, sets the standard for quick, dependable results. With precision and speed, these tests offer unparalleled accuracy in identifying substance use. Fast results help employers and individuals make informed decisions without lengthy delays, ensuring the highest level of reliability.

By choosing hair tests, clients gain the advantage of rapid turnover coupled with thorough reflections on drug use patterns, ultimately supporting safer work environments and accountable monitoring for substance policies.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing in Jewett, IL, supports compliance with workplace drug policies, delivering peace of mind to employers. Adopting such tests mitigates legal risks while promoting a safer work environment.

• Aligns with strict drug-free workplace requirements
• Essential for reinforcing employer confidence

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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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