Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Kaskaskia, IL

What it is, How it works

The perception of hair testing as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption is on the rise. Hair serves as a chronicle of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can reflect a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and effortless to transport.

A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 strands (resembling the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair — the exemplary sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. We advocate using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair can be obtained. Our reference to head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four pivotal steps in the laboratory drug testing process are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the introductory processing of a sample into a lab's system, ensuring the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input absent in an electronic chain of custody framework.

Screening facilitates an initial swift evaluation for substance abuse. Screening is economically viable for dismissing drug use across most samples; however, a positive screening necessitates further confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.

If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at markedly lower concentrations relative to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.

Positive screening results are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with preliminary positive results undergo washing before confirmation, as warranted. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can recognize drug usage up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer shorter detection windows.
• Resistant to manipulation: Hair drug tests are highly resistant to tampering, enhancing result reliability.
• Chronic use data: They render a timeline of drug use over an extended period instead of just recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Approximately 5-7 days are needed for drugs to be traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Hair color and personal hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests”, the analysis is done on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Kaskaskia, IL

Hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine exams through their extended detection capabilities, revealing drug use long after substances have cleared the bloodstream. This trait makes them invaluable to both employers and legal systems.

Reliability is key—unlike urine samples, which can be manipulated, hair tests present unbeatable integrity. Also, they offer a non-intrusive collection process, providing comfortable and seamless testing experience.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Kaskaskia, IL

When it comes to historical substance use detection, hair follicle testing stands unrivaled. Capable of revealing drug consumption over a 90-day period, it allows employers a comprehensive assessment of an individual's substance use history.

This extensive window is pivotal for safety-critical industries, where understanding employees' past drug use can avert potential workplace incidents and ensure that safety standards are upheld consistently.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Kaskaskia, IL

The integrity of hair follicle testing lies in its resistance to tampering. Unlike urine tests, which can be adulterated, hair samples provide conclusive and undeniable insights into drug use, making them a trustworthy option.

This feature reassures employers and legal authorities that the results are genuine, eliminating concerns of manipulation and thereby strengthening the reliability of the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Kaskaskia, IL

Accredited Drug Testing offers widespread access to testing services through our nationwide network. This expansive reach brings convenience, enabling efficient scheduling and testing with minimal hassle.

Moreover, our localized centers in Kaskaskia ensure that clients have quick, easy access to testing, making the entire process seamless and stress-free.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Kaskaskia, IL

The process of obtaining a hair follicle test is straightforward and discreet. From ordering to sample taking and receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and simplicity.

This streamlined approach alleviates concerns about confidentiality, providing individuals and employers with assurance that personal information remains secure throughout the testing procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Kaskaskia, IL

Accredited Drug Testing excels in offering competitive pricing for our top-notch services. Our clients benefit from excellent value, which is especially appealing to companies of varying sizes.

The quick turnaround time for test results underscores our commitment to efficiency, ensuring that businesses can make timely, cost-effective decisions based on accurate, reliable data.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Kaskaskia, IL

Hair follicle drug testing delivers precise outcomes with speed and reliability. The testing method's high level of accuracy ensures that even the slightest trace of substance use is detected, providing robust results that employers and courts can rely upon.

These tests benefit from advanced technology, making them indispensable for anyone seeking quick and dependable substance use verification. As a result, the trend towards hair follicle analysis continues to grow.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Kaskaskia, IL

Employing hair follicle testing ensures companies remain compliant with drug-free workplace policies, reducing risk for litigation and increasing overall safety in work environments.

Such comprehensive drug screening measures provide employers peace of mind, knowing that they are making informed, compliant decisions, and promoting a safe and productive workplace.

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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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