Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Malta, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. It offers an extended history by preserving biomarkers within the fibers of hair strands as they grow. Hair collected near the scalp can reveal drug or alcohol use for up to three months. It's easy to gather, challenging to alter, and can be readily shipped.

Taking a 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional factors, or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair, including facial and axillary types.

Process Overview

The primary laboratory processing steps of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

The Accessioning phase involves the initial lab intake of a sample. It includes verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data from the electronic chain of custody system.

The Screening phase is a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Although cost-efficient for ruling out drugs in most cases, any sample with a positive screen must undergo confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening need further confirmation.

Should a presumptive positive arise in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the sample for the Extraction phase. This stage extracts drugs at much lower concentrations from hair compared to other methods like urine or oral fluids, highlighting hair's complexity in drug testing.

GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are used to confirm positive screening results. Presumptive positive samples may be washed as part of the confirmation process. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which detect over shorter periods.
• Hard to manipulate: The difficulty in cheating a hair drug test enhances result reliability.
• Detects usage patterns: Provides insights into drug use history over time, beyond just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Can't identify recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be more costly than other methods.
• Result variability: Influences such as hair color and individual growth rates can impact metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on hair strands, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Malta, IL, surpasses urine tests in various ways. Known for its extended detection capabilities, hair testing offers heightened accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide results that cover a longer timeframe, ensuring a thorough examination.

Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing provides a broader detection window, catching drug use from weeks earlier. This detailed scrutiny is crucial for employers seeking confident, zero-tolerance workplace enforcement, uncovering patterns traditional tests might overlook.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Malta, IL, offers an extensive detection window, identifying drug usage up to 90 days. This comprehensive overview is vital for employers wanting to assess an individual's substance history accurately.

With hair follicle testing, the extended detection period provides a clearer view of substance use over time. It offers employers a reliable and expansive timeline, enhancing their decision-making about potential hires or current employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Malta, IL, hair follicle tests provide a virtually tamper-proof method of drug testing. The difficulty of adulterating hair samples ensures authentic results that withstand scrutiny.

Hair tests also mitigate risks connected to sample tampering. By offering a process nearly impossible to cheat, these tests certify results that are both credible and trustworthy, valuable in settings demanding high security and accuracy.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our testing centers, including convenient locations in Malta, IL, ensure seamless access to drug testing services. With locations nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing offers an easy, stress-free testing experience.

The local and national availability ensures you’re never far from a testing site. Quick and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing means individuals can receive the services they need efficiently and without unnecessary delays.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Malta, IL, the process of ordering and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. We prioritize your privacy while ensuring a seamless experience.

Our simplified process takes the stress out of drug testing. From scheduling an appointment to receiving secure results, every step is designed to protect your confidentiality and provide ease of use, making testing less daunting.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing in Malta, IL, offers affordable pricing and quick turnaround times, making this service accessible for companies of all sizes. Our competitive pricing ensures you receive value without compromising on speed.

The fast service we provide assures companies of timely results without excessive costs. Companies benefit from cost-effective solutions that don’t sacrifice quality, reinforcing their trust in our services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Malta, IL, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and rapid results. The high accuracy rate in spotting substance use ensures reliable outcomes. These assessments rapidly reveal any traces of drugs, offering a swift and efficient method for screening. Employers value this expedited process.

Hair testing delivers fast, reliable conclusions without compromising on accuracy. With cutting-edge technology, substances that might evade other tests are caught. This quick and efficient method reassures both employers and individuals about the results’ authenticity.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Malta, IL, hair follicle testing not only aids compliance with drug-free workplace policies but also assures safety. By using hair testing, organizations mitigate legal risks and enhance workplace security.

This testing method offers peace of mind to employers who prioritize a drug-free environment. Adhering to company policies and reducing potential liabilities are vital benefits of implementing hair follicle tests.

Drug Testing Near Malta, IL

Lynnville, IL

Waterman, IL

Kirkland, IL

Shabbona, IL

Rochelle, IL

Hillcrest, IL

Steward, IL

Sycamore, IL

Cortland, IL

DeKalb, IL

Creston, 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.

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