Hair Follicle Drug Testing - West Jersey, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substances, as it encases biomarkers within the strands during growth. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over a period of up to three months. Its collection is straightforward, manipulation is challenging, and it is convenient to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil thickness) closest to the scalp is optimal, yielding 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or when tests exceed 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is suggested. We advise measuring the sample using a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory process for analyzing a drug test result involves four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the primary processing of a sample into a laboratory's workflow. This step involves verifying proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any further data entry that was not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a quick initial assessment for drugs. Though it is cost-effective for ruling out drug presence in most cases, a positive result from this stage requires confirmation for legal validity. Presumptive positives from Screening necessitate follow-up confirmation tests.

If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, the drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), making hair drug testing challenging to perform.

Positive screening findings are confirmed using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing as part of the confirmation process. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized 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 unveil drug usage up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a shorter detection span.
• Challenges in falsification: Cheating a hair drug test is highly challenging, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical insight: It offers insights into patterns of drug use over time, not solely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to spot recent usage: Detection of drugs in hair requires approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests incur higher costs compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and personal hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," these assessments evaluate the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in West Jersey, IL

• Hair testing proves superior in long-term substance detection over urine tests.
• Employers gain insight into extended substance use, not merely recent occurrences.
• The methodology ensures a broader spectrum of drug detection with greater accuracy.
• The observed collection process bolsters reliability, dismissing tampering possibilities.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in West Jersey, IL

• Hair follicle testing uncovers drug use history up to 90 days prior.
• Employers can assess long-term substance use patterns in candidates.
• This extended window offers a comprehensive view of an individual's habits.
• It's especially useful in chronicling ongoing or past drug-related behavior.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in West Jersey, IL

• Hair follicle testing diminishes the chances of sample adulteration.
• The collection process is closely monitored, ensuring sample integrity.
• This method delivers dependable and unquestionable results.
• Within the observed collection, tampering becomes highly improbable.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in West Jersey, IL

• Our network spans nationwide, making hair testing accessible everywhere.
• Local centers in West Jersey ensure convenient testing service access.
• Experience a hassle-free testing process, both locally and nationally.
• Prompt and easy access to our services guarantees swift testing completion.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in West Jersey, IL

• The process for ordering and taking tests is straightforward and private.
• Confidentiality is maintained throughout, safeguarding personal information.
• Users find comfort in the ease of use and seamless result fetching.
• This approach addresses privacy concerns efficiently and respectfully.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in West Jersey, IL

• Enjoy competitive pricing that offers excellent value for services rendered.
• Our quick turnaround times elevate the testing experience drastically.
• Businesses of all sizes appreciate the balance of cost and rapid results.
• Timely feedback supports companies in making informed decisions efficiently.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in West Jersey, IL

• Hair follicle testing is renowned for its precision in identifying substance use.
• These tests deliver rapid results, pivotal for timely decision-making.
• The reliability of hair tests is unmatched, ensuring high accuracy and confidence.
• Each test confirms meticulous processing, reducing false positives.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in West Jersey, IL

• Hair follicle testing helps enforce drug-free workplace policies effectively.
• Such testing methods minimize legal risks associated with substance abuse.
• Employers benefit from heightened workplace safety and reduced incidences.
• This assurance enhances peace of mind for both employers and employees.

Drug Testing Near West Jersey, IL

Yates City, IL

Dunlap, IL

Elmwood, IL

Oneida, IL

Bishop Hill, IL

Kewanee, IL

Altona, IL

Brimfield, IL

Oak Run, IL

Galva, IL

Princeville, IL

Victoria, IL

Wyoming, IL

Williamsfield, IL

Toulon, 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.

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