Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Mascoutah, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is perceived as an effective method for detecting substance use, including drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a long-term record of substance consumption by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. Collection of hair near the scalp offers an approximate three-month window for detection of drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to collect, not easily adulterated, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), sourced from near the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, serving as the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to gather 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, and so on).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning comprises the initial steps of inputting a sample into the laboratory system. It involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any extra data in the absence of an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening carries out a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is cost-effective in excluding drug use on most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for it to hold up in court. Samples that are tentatively positive during Screening must undergo additional verification.

Should a sample be tentatively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair in this phase at a much lesser concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug screening.

The Confirmation of any positive result obtained in Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All provisionally positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in compliance with the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a more limited detection period.
• Challenging to falsify: Trustworthy results are favored due to the test's resistance to tampering.
• Chronological usage data: Offers insights into patterns of drug use over time, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to pinpoint recent use: A window of around 5-7 days is required for drugs to be ascertainable in hair.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests incur higher costs than other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth rates may influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Despite the common terminology "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mascoutah, IL
In comparison to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers several advantages, primarily its superior detection accuracy. With a longer detection window reaching up to 90 days, hair testing provides a more reliable account of an individual's drug use history, reducing the likelihood of evasion and ensuring organizations can enforce zero-tolerance policies effectively.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Mascoutah, IL
Hair follicle testing stands out with its extended detection period of up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive view of an individual's substance consumption over time. This prolonged window enables employers to make informed decisions based on a broad spectrum of data, promoting workplace safety and compliance with zero-tolerance policies.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mascoutah, IL
The credibility of hair follicle testing lies in its tamper-resistant nature, significantly minimizing sample adulteration risk. This method ensures that results remain consistent, dependable, and virtually undeniable, which is invaluable for employers and legal entities aiming to maintain stringent drug-free environments.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Mascoutah, IL
Our expansive network of testing centers across the nation ensures unparalleled convenience for hair follicle testing services. Easy accessibility to local and nationwide facilities makes it seamless for individuals and organizations to undertake drug assessments promptly and without hassle.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Mascoutah, IL
We prioritize a seamless and confidential experience for hair follicle testing in Mascoutah, IL. From the process of ordering a test, undergoing the procedure, to receiving results, each step is designed to uphold privacy and ease of use, addressing privacy concerns effectively while ensuring a straightforward user experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mascoutah, IL
Our competitive pricing structure combined with fast turnaround times positions us as a cost-effective solution for organizations of all sizes. The value offered through our efficient services reassures companies, providing both financial savings and expedited results to facilitate timely decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mascoutah, IL
Hair follicle drug testing is renowned for delivering rapid, precise results. Leveraging advanced technology, these tests provide unmatched accuracy in detecting substance use. The reliable and swift outcomes not only facilitate quicker organizational decisions but also ensure the integrity of the testing process, making them an optimal choice for effective drug screening.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mascoutah, IL
Employers gain a sense of security and compliance when utilizing hair follicle testing, as it assists in upholding drug-free workplace policies. This robust testing method not only diminishes legal liabilities but also fosters a safer working environment, contributing to overall organizational well-being and employee assurance.

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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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