Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Merna, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. It offers an extended history of substance consumption by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair presents an approximately 3-month detection range for various substances. Hair sampling is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.

A 1.5-inch hair sample, consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample needed for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests involving more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler's scale. Absence of scalp hair allows for collecting an equivalent quantity of body hair. By head hair, we indicate only scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory workflow of a drug test result includes four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves initially integrating a sample into a lab's system. It includes confirming the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any further data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.

Screening entails a preliminary rapid examination for drugs of abuse. Though cost-effective for negating drug use in most samples, a positive result from Screening needs confirmation to be eligible in court. Presumptively positive samples in Screening require further validation.

For samples preliminarily positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and processed for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted at notably lower concentrations than those in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug analysis is the most arduous methodology.

Positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary presumptive positive samples receive washing before Confirmation. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 standards compliance.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests capture drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a briefer detection span.
• Difficult to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is incredibly challenging, boosting result reliability.
• Produces historical insight: It reveals a drug usage pattern over a timeframe, not just immediately prior use.

Limitations:

• Cannot capture recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair roughly 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Commonly misnamed "hair follicle tests," this test actually examines the hair strand and not the scalp's hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When considering drug testing options in Merna, IL, hair follicle tests are a clear winner over urine tests. They offer superior detection accuracy, providing more reliable data. While urine tests may give insight into recent drug use, hair tests widen the scope, revealing a longer history of substance use.

Employers often prioritize hair tests because of their capability to detect patterns of drug use that urine tests might miss. This makes hair testing an essential tool for maintaining comprehensive workplace safety standards.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Merna, IL, benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle tests, which tracks drug use for up to 90 days. This lengthy span offers a detailed view of an individual’s substance history, proving crucial in making informed hiring or workplace decisions.

The extended window not only reveals regularity and patterns in drug use but also serves as a powerful tool in assessing long-term compliance with drug-free policies, ensuring thorough and effective evaluations.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Merna, IL, offers a tamper-resistant approach, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. As the collection process is observed and measures hair directly, altering results becomes nearly impossible, reassuring users about the test's credibility.

By prioritizing security and accuracy, hair testing provides organizations with trustworthy results. This method stands as a robust dragnet against attempts to falsify drug test outcomes, maintaining the integrity of the process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience is key at Accredited Drug Testing with our nationwide presence, including Merna, IL. Our expansive network ensures quick, easy access to drug testing services, making the process hassle-free and efficient for all clients.

Local testing options, alongside our national coverage, mean shorter wait times and greater accessibility, ensuring every client receives fast and reliable service. Our locations cater to diverse testing needs efficiently and effectively.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Merna, IL, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to testing and receiving results, every step respects privacy and is user-friendly, addressing any concerns about confidentiality.

With a streamlined process, individuals can access testing with ease, ensuring peace of mind throughout the entire experience. This simplicity ensures users can confidently rely on the procedure without complexities or concerns over privacy.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing in Merna, IL, making high-quality hair follicle testing accessible. Our fast turnaround times ensure that results are obtained promptly, providing excellent value for companies of all sizes.

With affordability at the forefront, we ensure top-notch service without breaking the bank, allowing companies to manage their testing needs efficiently, confidently securing the desired information in a timely manner.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Merna, IL, make them a superior choice for those needing fast and accurate results. Their ability to detect substances with high accuracy ensures reliability, providing a clear snapshot of an individual's substance use history.

Due to their comprehensive nature, hair follicle drug tests are trusted by various institutions looking for reliable data, ensuring that results are not only timely but also incredibly thorough, enhancing confidence in their findings.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Using hair follicle tests in Merna, IL, guarantees compliance with drug-free workplace policies, granting peace of mind for employers. These tests reduce legal risks and reinforce the safety of the working environment.

Employers appreciate the assurance that hair tests bring, as they help avoid potential litigation or compliance issues. This method ensures adherence to regulations, fostering a safe and compliant workplace for all.

Drug Testing Near Merna, IL

Kappa, IL

Twin Grove, IL

Le Roy, IL

Colfax, IL

Arrowsmith, IL

Hudson, IL

Bloomington, IL

Lexington, IL

Normal, IL

Downs, IL

Ellsworth, IL

Cooksville, IL

Central City, IL

Towanda, IL

Holder, 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