Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Vera, IL

What it is, How it works

The analysis of hair has emerged as a robust approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a chronological record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the hair as it grows. When strands are obtained near the scalp, hair testing can detect substances for up to about 90 days. Collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.

A specimen measuring 1.5 inches in length and composed of around 200 strands of hair (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) located nearest to the scalp provides approximately 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or evaluations involving more than 10 panels, it is advisable to collect 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If hair from the scalp is not feasible, a similar quantity of hair from other body areas can be used. Reference to head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair. The term body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary stages in laboratory processing of a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves introducing a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step verifies the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigns a distinct LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening conducts a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, positive results from screening require confirmation to be legally valid. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

If a sample is identified as presumptively positive during Screening, further strands are taken from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are derived from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening a particularly complex procedure.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed by means of GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can track drug use for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests with a shorter detection period.
• Challenging to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is notably difficult, increasing the reliability of the results.
• Reveals historical patterns: It can illustrate a timeline of drug use, rather than just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Does not identify recent use: Drugs take approximately 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be pricier than alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Vera, IL
Compared to the conventional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection capabilities and a more stringent collection process. The reliability and accuracy of hair tests surpass urine tests, as hair analysis can track drug use over a longer period, ensuring that no recent substance use is overlooked.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Vera, IL
Hair follicle testing provides a thorough look into an individual's drug usage over the past 90 days. This extended detection time is invaluable for employers seeking a detailed perspective on an applicant's or employee's long-term substance habits, effectively supporting informed hiring and disciplinary decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Vera, IL
The hair follicle test is designed to significantly reduce sample tampering. Its collection process is observed, and the structure of the hair sample itself makes it virtually impossible to alter. This ensures that results are reliable, offering peace of mind for employers and legal authorities alike.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Vera, IL
Our extensive network of testing centers makes it easy to access hair follicle testing services nationwide. In Vera, IL, the convenience of nearby testing locations ensures a stress-free and efficient experience, facilitating quick and smooth testing processes for individuals and businesses alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Vera, IL
Our hair follicle testing procedure is straightforward and respects your confidentiality. From ordering the test to collecting the sample and receiving results, each step is handled with care, ensuring a discreet and user-friendly process that safeguards privacy while delivering comprehensive results.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Vera, IL
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround make hair follicle testing an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. The emphasis on value and efficiency ensures that employers receive timely insights into substance use without the burden of excessive costs, facilitating informed decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Vera, IL
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their swift and dependable results. This method stands out due to its high precision in identifying substance use, ensuring that employers and professionals can make informed decisions based on accurate data. The rapid turnaround time for results makes it an invaluable tool in maintaining workplace safety and compliance.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Vera, IL
Employers utilizing hair follicle tests ensure stronger adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal complications, promotes safety, and contributes to a harmonious work environment, thus providing reassurance and compliance with professional and legal standards.

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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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