Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Thomson, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing stands as a robust method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair acts as a long-term record keeper for alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window for alcohol and drugs stretching up to around three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to send.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning is the initial procedure for processing a sample into a laboratory's system. This step involves confirming that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to hold up in court. Presumptive positives from Screening require additional confirmation.

If a sample tests as presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for further preparation in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology.

Any positive result in the Screening phase is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection range: Hair drug tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days, offering a longer window than urine tests, which have a shorter detection range.
• Difficult to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is very challenging, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Provides temporal data: It presents a pattern of drug use over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of identifying recent use: Detection of drugs in hair takes about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally cost more than other methods of drug testing.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can impact the concentration of drug metabolites in hair samples.

Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Thomson, IL

Hair follicle testing is preferred over urine tests in Thomson, IL due to its superior detection and reliability. The ability to provide accurate results over extended periods and withstand adulteration attempts makes it an excellent choice. Hair testing's comprehensive analysis outshines traditional urine tests, especially for long-term substance use monitoring.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Thomson, IL

With hair follicle testing, employees in Thomson, IL enjoy the advantage of an extended detection window for drug use, stretching up to 90 days. This provides employers with in-depth insight into a candidate or employee’s long-term substance history, going beyond immediate or recent use and enhancing decision-making for workplace safety.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Thomson, IL

In Thomson, IL, hair follicle tests greatly minimize the potential for sample tampering. This testing method offers robust resistance to adulteration, guaranteeing trustworthy and clear outcomes. Businesses and officials can rely on these test results for making informed, secure decisions regarding workforce management and compliance.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Thomson, IL

With numerous testing centers across the nation, including Thomson, IL, testing services are easily accessible and convenient. Our widespread locations ensure quick and straightforward access, relieving any hassles associated with drug testing processes. This accessibility underscores our commitment to efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Thomson, IL

In Thomson, IL, the process of ordering, undertaking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and secure, addressing any privacy concerns effectively. By ensuring a smooth, confidential testing procedure, we prioritize our customers' needs and guarantee peace of mind throughout the entire testing journey.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Thomson, IL

Our competitive pricing and quick result turnarounds in Thomson, IL deliver outstanding value to businesses of all sizes. Affordable options without sacrificing quality make our testing services a practical choice for employers seeking effective and efficient drug testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast and Accurate Results in Thomson, IL

In Thomson, IL, hair follicle drug tests promise fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes. This sophisticated testing method provides precise detection, making it an ideal choice for those needing trustworthy results. Whether assessing recent or past drug use, the speed and precision of hair tests set a high standard in the realm of substance testing.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Thomson, IL

Using hair follicle tests in Thomson, IL helps employers meet drug-free workplace policies. This method aids in mitigating legal risks while promoting workplace safety. Ensuring compliance provides peace of mind and demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a healthy 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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