Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Nelson, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a retrospective record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. When gathered near the scalp, it can reveal up to about a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, moderately challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale is advised for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be scarce, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning consists of initially integrating a sample into a lab's processes. This step involves ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning it a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizing any supplementary data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Despite being an economical method to exclude drug consumption in most specimens, a positive screening outcome requires confirmation to be valid in a judicial setting. Samples that appear positive during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.

If a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than through other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation for any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples initially deemed positive are cleaned before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug analyses can identify drug consumption for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests which have a shorter detection span.
• Resistance to manipulation: Manipulating a hair drug analysis is highly challenging, thus improving result precision.
• Offers historical insight: This method can illustrate a pattern of substance use over time, not merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Detection of substances in hair takes roughly 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug analyses are typically more costly than other drug testing approaches.
• Result fluctuations: Variables like hair hue and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Commonly named "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Nelson, IL
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing boasts superior detection accuracy and reliability. Its ability to detect drug use over a prolonged span provides a significant advantage.

Employers gain a more comprehensive insight into substance use history, ensuring a safer and drug-free work environment. This method's accuracy guarantees the trustworthiness of the results.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Nelson, IL
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its extensive detection window, capturing drug use history for up to 90 days. This longer period grants employers a broad overview of an individual’s substance use background.

This comprehensive detection ability aids businesses in making informed decisions, allowing them to evaluate potential or current employees with greater depth and understanding.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Nelson, IL
The hair follicle testing method significantly minimizes the chance of sample tampering, offering reliable and indisputable results. The observed collection process prevents any manipulation.

By reducing the opportunity for adulteration, employers can trust the test results are genuine, helping maintain a safe and compliant workplace free from substance misuse.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Nelson, IL
With numerous testing centers across the nation, gaining access to testing services is both convenient and hassle-free. In Nelson, IL, centers offer easy access for individuals and employers alike.

This widespread network minimizes wait times and ensures prompt service, bolstering the drug testing process's efficiency and effectiveness.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Nelson, IL
The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and ensures confidentiality from ordering to result reception. Privacy concerns are addressed, providing peace of mind to all involved.

Maintaining discretion while delivering accurate outcomes ensures that individuals' data is securely handled, enhancing confidence in the testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Nelson, IL
Competitive pricing structures combined with quick result turnaround ensures excellent value for companies of all sizes. This affordability does not compromise on quality, maintaining high standards.

Faster results lead to swift decision-making, helping organizations respond quickly to testing needs without financial strain.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Nelson, IL
Hair follicle drug tests provide precise and efficient results, essential for assessing substance use. Their accuracy in identifying drugs over an extended period assures employers of dependable outcomes.

The rapid turnaround time for hair testing results further ensures timely decision-making for companies. This speed and accuracy deliver exceptional reliability unmatched by other testing methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Nelson, IL
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace policies on substance use, reducing legal liabilities. Employers enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind knowing their employees adhere to drug-free standards.

Adopting these testing methods aligns with zero-tolerance policies, safeguarding the organization and its workforce effectively.

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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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