Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Stewardson, IL

What it is, How it works

Recognized as an influential method, hair testing is utilized to uncover alcohol and drug usage. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug exposure through the entrapment of biomarkers in the hair's growing fibers. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeframe extending up to three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and conveniently shippable.

A 1.5-inch hair sample, consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the dimension of a #2 pencil) proximate to the scalp, yields 100mg, which is considered the optimal sample size for screening and verification processes. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, and those over 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. It is advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. When referring to head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The quartet of crucial steps integral to a laboratory drug test result processing encompasses Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning denotes the primary handling of a sample within a laboratory's framework. This process includes confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening constitutes a preliminary swift assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly means to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive screenings necessitate confirmation to be legally acceptable in court. Specimens revealing potential positive results require subsequent confirmation.

When a specimen shows a potential positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are retrieved at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (i.e., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening a more challenging procedure.

Confirmation of any detected positive result during Screening is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, all potential positive samples undergo necessary washing. The comprehensive laboratory process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug usage up to 90 days, contrasting with urine tests having a shorter detection window.
• Resistance to manipulation: Manipulating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, enhancing the credibility of results.
• Historical insight: Offers insight into drug usage patterns over time, not just recent use.

Limitations:

• Non-detection of recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Cost implications: Hair drug testing tends to be pricier than other testing methodologies.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations within hair.

Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Stewardson, IL, hair follicle testing outperforms urine tests with several advantages. Hair testing offers a longer detection window that spans up to 90 days, whereas urine tests only capture recent substance use. Detection accuracy in hair testing is robust, providing employers and legal entities a reliable assessment of past drug use. Additionally, hair tests require less frequent retesting, saving both time and resources in drug detection.

Extended Detection Window

One of the significant benefits of hair follicle testing in Stewardson, IL, is its broad detection capability over time. Hair tests can identify drug consumption up to 90 days after use, offering employers a detailed insight into whether instances of substance use occurred within this period. This extended detection window ensures that the timelines relevant for employment or legal compliance are thoroughly covered.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Stewardson, IL, hair follicle tests provide an excellent solution for reducing tampering risks. The nature of hair sampling ensures a secure and tamper-resistant process, as it’s much harder to manipulate or adulterate compared to urine samples. This approach yields dependable results, eliminating questions about sample integrity, and reinforcing trust in the outcomes provided by this testing method.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient access to hair follicle drug testing is assured in Stewardson, IL, thanks to our extensive network of nationwide and local locations. Easy and hassle-free testing is guaranteed, allowing individuals and employers to access services without delay. Our extensive reach ensures that all clients can promptly find a nearby testing facility, streamlining the drug testing process for everyone involved.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Stewardson, IL, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to sample collection and result retrieval, each step is simplified to alleviate privacy concerns. Ensuring confidentiality and ease of use is our priority; clients can rest assured that information is kept secure and handling remains professional throughout.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

For companies in Stewardson, IL, hair follicle testing is a cost-effective solution. We offer competitive pricing and swift result turnaround times, delivering great value for businesses of all sizes. Quick processing ensures that results are not only accurate but also expedited, reducing downtime and facilitating smooth hiring and compliance processes economically.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Stewardson, IL, offer rapid, precise, and dependable results. One of the standout features of hair analysis is its ability to precisely detect various substances consumed over a prolonged period. High accuracy minimizes the chance of false positives, ensuring that results are consistently reliable. Clients can trust hair follicle testing for efficient assessments, thanks to its inherent precision and prompt processing times.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Stewardson, IL, benefit from using hair follicle testing to uphold compliance with drug-free workplace initiatives. This testing ensures adherence to established policies and reduces potential legal liabilities. By employing this method, companies can foster a safe and productive work environment while maintaining peace of mind regarding regulatory compliance, significantly enhancing employee well-being and safety.

Drug Testing Near Stewardson, IL

Cowden, IL

Windsor, IL

Teutopolis, IL

Effingham, IL

Neoga, IL

Beecher City, IL

Sigel, IL

Trowbridge, IL

Strasburg, IL

Shumway, 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