Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Stonefort, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the hair shaft. Upon collection near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch hair specimen containing around 200 strands (resembling the size of a #2 pencil) from nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair denotes all other types (beard, underarm, etc.).

Procedure Summary

The four key steps in a lab-based drug testing process include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system, which involves ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drug presence. Though a cost-effective method for ruling out drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be confirmed to be legally admissible. Samples testing positive under Screening require additional confirmation.

If a specimen screens positive, further hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drug separation from hair is achieved at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of positive screening results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo pre-confirmation washing as needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and accredited under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection window.
• Hard to circumvent: It is extraordinarily difficult to alter a hair drug test, leading to more accurate results.
• Historic data: It can outline a timeline of drug use over time rather than just contemporary usage.

Drawbacks:

• Inability to detect recent use: It requires about 5-7 days for substances to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other testing methodologies.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth may influence drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Stonefort, IL, outperforms traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. One key advantage is its extended detection ability, identifying drug usage over several months. Unlike urine tests, which might miss recent abstinence, hair tests provide comprehensive drug history over 90 days, offering more insight into an individual's substance use patterns.

Extended Detection Window

In Stonefort, IL, hair follicle tests have an extended detection window, revealing drug use for up to 90 days. This long period gives employers a better understanding of an applicant’s or employee’s historical substance use. The ability to review a longer timeline enables more informed decisions concerning employment and drug-free workplace policies, safeguarding organizations from potential risks.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Stonefort, IL, significantly lowers the risk of sample tampering. Unlike other methods, hair samples are hard to adulterate, ensuring accurate and trustworthy results. As these tests require observed sample collection, they provide an additional layer of security against fraudulent activities, cementing their status as a reliable testing method for both individuals and organizations.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accessibility and convenience are key at Accredited Drug Testing in Stonefort, IL. Our vast network of testing centers nationwide ensures easy and quick access to drug testing services. Whether in major cities or local areas like Stonefort, our locations guarantee efficient service delivery, making the testing process seamless and stress-free for all clients, wherever they are based.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Stonefort, IL, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, from ordering to taking tests and receiving results. We aim to provide a user-friendly experience while maintaining the highest standards of privacy. Clients can trust that their personal data is protected, and the testing journey is designed to be as hassle-free as possible, ensuring satisfaction and peace of mind.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and rapid result turnaround in Stonefort, IL. Our cost-effective solutions cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality. Organizations can rely on our quick service for efficient drug testing needs while enjoying excellent value, ultimately aiding them in maintaining safe and compliant workplace environments.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Stonefort, IL, hair follicle tests offer fast, precise, and dependable results. These tests are acclaimed for their high accuracy in revealing substance usage, ensuring timely and reliable outcomes. The accelerated processing of these tests means minimal wait times while maintaining stringent accuracy standards, providing individuals and organizations the peace of mind that comes with trusted results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Achieving compliance and peace of mind in Stonefort, IL, is possible with hair follicle testing. This method helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal challenges while enhancing safety. Employers benefit from the assurance that their drug testing protocols are robust, reducing risks associated with non-compliance and promoting a healthy, safe 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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