Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Stickney, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is viewed as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, it offers about a 3-month detection period for substances. The collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches containing roughly 200 hair strands (approximate size of a #2 pencil) taken near the scalp gives 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both testing and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional assays, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other forms (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab's system. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and carries out any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs. While Screening is a cost-efficient way to exclude the presence of drugs in most samples, any positive result requires Confirmation for legal purposes. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening demand a secondary Confirmation.

If Screening indicates a presumptive positive result, additional hair from the initial sample is processed for Extraction. In the Extraction stage, substances are pulled from hair in much lower concentrations than found in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug testing as the most challenging to conduct.

Positive screening results are validated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed prior to Confirmation when necessary. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify substance use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection period.
• Resistance to tampering: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, ensuring higher accuracy of results.
• Historical analysis: It reveals a pattern of use over time rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: It takes roughly 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests cost more than other methods of testing.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual growth rates can impact the concentration of metabolites in the hair.

Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strands instead of the follicles under the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Stickney, IL, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing by offering superior detection and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which might detect recent use, hair tests track extended drug use patterns, often up to 90 days. This extensive window is invaluable for employers and officials aiming to identify long-term usage.

Moreover, the accuracy of hair tests mitigates the risk of tampering, common with urine samples. Employers benefit from a precise method that ensures adherence to zero-tolerance rules and enhances workplace safety.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Stickney, IL, provides an extended detection window, tracing substance use up to 90 days. This duration significantly surpasses that of urine tests, presenting a broader view of an individual’s drug habits, crucial for employers during hiring or routine checks.

By analyzing hair samples, employers can detect chronic usage patterns rather than momentary use. This comprehensive insight into an individual's substance history aids in making well-informed workforce decisions, ultimately contributing to a healthier organizational environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Stickney, IL, hair follicle tests boast a tamper-resistant method, diminishing the risk of sample adulteration. Unlike urine tests, which can easily be compromised, hair samples are inherently secure, guaranteeing reliable results.

This robust testing mechanism is vital for workplaces aiming to keep drug use under strict surveillance. With trustworthy results that resist manipulation, businesses and legal entities can confidently proceed with necessary actions, reinforcing their commitment to integrity and safety.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Conveniently located in Stickney, IL, our testing centers ensure hassle-free access to services. With a nationwide presence, Accredited Drug Testing guarantees easy entry to hair follicle testing throughout local communities.

This widespread availability enables quick service access, reducing time and effort for individuals and businesses alike. Enjoy the convenience and swift processes at our dedicated centers, offering reliable services whenever required.

Simple, Confidential Process

Stickney, IL, offers a simple and confidential testing process, addressing privacy concerns. The ease of ordering, taking, and obtaining results ensures a seamless experience, valued by individuals and organizations.

Confidentiality is prioritized, guaranteeing peace of mind. Enjoy a discreet procedure without intruding on personal privacy or complicating the scheduling of essential drug tests, guiding participants with clarity and ease.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Stickney, IL, enjoy affordable pricing with quick turnaround for hair follicle testing. Our competitive rates provide excellent value, catering to companies of varied sizes. Businesses benefit from cost-effective testing without compromising quality.

Fast processing ensures results are delivered timely, supporting decision-making processes. Accredited Drug Testing’s blend of affordability and efficiency ensures cost-conscious solutions without sacrificing reliability.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Stickney, IL, hair follicle drug tests deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are highly precise in detecting substances and provide timely outcomes. The ability to process results efficiently ensures that both individuals and employers receive necessary information with minimal delays, bolstering confidence in the testing procedure.

The precision of hair follicle testing surpasses other methods, ensuring that substance use is detected accurately. This accuracy reduces the risk of false readings, making it a trusted method among companies and courts. With such reliability, businesses can make informed decisions based on trustworthy data.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing in Stickney, IL, assures compliance and peace of mind for employers. Maintaining drug-free workplaces not only enhances safety but also significantly reduces legal risks, shielding companies from potential liabilities.

By adopting this testing method, employers confidently demonstrate adherence to regulations and secure a safer work environment. Hair testing reassures employers of their commitment to workplace safety and a drug-free culture, enhancing overall organizational integrity.

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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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