Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Radom, IL

What it is, How it works

Utilizing hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands contain a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by encasing biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to obtain, relatively challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) located nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair solely. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning involves the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process includes verifying the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can detect substance use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter window.
• Difficulty to tamper with: It is quite challenging to tamper with hair drug tests, ensuring more accurate results.
• Provides historical data: Hair drug tests can show a pattern of drug use over time rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent use: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to be detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier than other drug testing methods.
• Variation in results: Variables such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can impact the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Radom, IL, shows clear advantages over urine tests.

• A primary benefit is their superior accuracy and reliability.
• They detect drug use over a much longer period.
• Urinalysis is often limited by its shorter detection timeline.

Extended Detection Window

For employers in Radom, IL, the extended detection window of hair follicle tests is invaluable. These tests can identify drug and alcohol use for up to 90 days prior.

• This provides a detailed view of an individual’s substance use history.
• They can reveal patterns of long-term abuse.
• This thorough screening aids in making informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing markedly reduces tamper risks in Radom, IL.

• This method avoids common pitfalls faced by other drug tests.
• It ensures the collection process is secure and observed.
• The reliability of results is unmatched, minimizing doubts.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience is key with our extensive network of testing sites nationwide, including Radom, IL.

• Easy access to our testing centers.
• You can expect hassle-free and quick services.
• Our locations are strategically placed for your ease.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Radom, IL, prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality.

• Ordering tests is uncomplicated.
• Sample collection respects your privacy.
• Results are delivered swiftly and discreetly.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our pricing in Radom, IL, is competitive while providing excellent service and quick results.

• Affordable pricing structures cater to companies of any size.
• Fast turnaround times enhance the value offered.
• Efficient processing without sacrificing quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Radom, IL, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests ensure fast and reliable results. With their high accuracy, these tests are capable of detecting a wide range of substances.

• Their advanced sensitivity provides confidence in the results.
• Rapid processing means you don’t have to wait long for answers.
• These tests offer a higher level of reliability.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers gain peace of mind from hair testing in Radom, IL.

• Adhering to a drug-free workplace policy becomes effortless.
• The risks of legal complications are notably reduced.
• This form of testing enhances overall safety in the work environment.

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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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