Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Westville, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 90-day window for detecting alcohol and drugs. It's easy to gather hair samples, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches comprising approximately 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp should yield 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the hair sample. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair is acceptable. By “head hair,” we mean only the hair on the scalp, while “body hair” pertains to all other body hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug test laboratory processing includes four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning begins with the sample's initial registration in the laboratory system. This phase verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes extra data entry not available from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a quick preliminary check for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to discount drug use in most cases, a positive screening outcome needs verification for legal validity. Samples that screen presumptively positive necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

When a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at concentrations lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing presents the most challenging methodology.

Confirmation for positive Screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accredited according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can detect drug use over 90 days, whereas urine tests provide a shorter detection timeframe.
• High resistance to tampering: Tampering with a hair drug test is extremely challenging, leading to more accurate results.
• Reflects pattern over time: It shows a pattern of drug use over time, not just recent behavior.

Drawbacks:

• Unable to detect recent usage: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to be traceable in hair.
• Price: Hair drug tests are typically costlier than other testing methods.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth patterns can impact drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strands and not the follicle under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Westville, IL

Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in numerous ways, offering superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests that typically detect recent use, hair tests provide a comprehensive history of substance use over an extended period.

Employers in Westville can rely on hair testing to enforce zero-tolerance policies confidently. The enhanced detection capabilities ensure a robust and thorough review of an individual's drug history, unmatched by urine analysis.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Westville, IL

Hair follicle testing offers an expansive detection window, making it highly beneficial for employers in Westville looking for detailed insights into an individual’s substance use. Capable of identifying drug consumption up to 90 days past, it far exceeds the limited timespan of urine testing.

This method provides a broader perspective on an applicant or employee’s substance history, aiding in more informed decision-making processes regarding hiring and maintaining a substance-free work environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Westville, IL

Hair follicle tests stand out with their robust resistance to tampering, offering extremely dependable results. By using samples that are difficult to alter or substitute, hair testing minimizes the risk of adulteration that commonly plagues urine tests.

In Westville, employers can trust that the integrity of their testing process remains intact when using hair analysis, ensuring unquestionable results and supporting a transparent, fair evaluation of drug use without manipulation concerns.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Westville, IL

Benefit from seamless testing access with our extensive network of nationwide centers, including convenient local setups in Westville. This setup ensures a hassle-free experience for those needing hair follicle testing, providing quick and reliable services.

Our strategically located facilities cater to individuals and employers seeking drug testing solutions, making the process both efficient and accessible, saving valuable time and resources in the intake and processing phases.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Westville, IL

We ensure an easy and confidential testing process when it comes to ordering, conducting, and receiving results for hair follicle tests in Westville. Concerns over privacy are addressed with utmost professionalism, guaranteeing a discreet experience.

Our focus is on maintaining user-friendly procedures without compromising confidentiality or simplicity, allowing individuals to confidently fulfill testing requirements without unnecessary stress or procedural complexity.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Westville, IL

Our competitive pricing structures, alongside fast turnaround times, provide exceptional value to companies of all sizes in Westville seeking hair follicle testing services. Balancing cost efficiency with rapid result delivery, we cater to budgetary constraints without sacrificing service quality.

This combination ensures firms can enforce drug policies effectively while remaining fiscally responsible, enhancing both operational peace of mind and financial planning confidence.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Westville, IL

Hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their precision and speed, offering accurate detection of substance use. The technology behind these tests ensures that even the smallest traces of drug use are identified, making them an essential tool for employers prioritizing a drug-free workplace.

With quick turnaround times, hair follicle testing provides results much faster than you might expect, helping employers make timely, informed decisions about hiring and maintaining their workforce without sacrificing accuracy.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Westville, IL

Employers in Westville can rest assured of compliance with drug-free workplace policies when utilizing hair follicle testing. It underscores commitment to maintaining safe, productive environments while reducing legal risks associated with non-compliance.

The rigorous nature of hair testing delivers peace of mind, showing dedication to a secure work atmosphere where employees adhere to substance regulations, enhancing overall workplace safety and integrity.

Drug Testing Near Westville, IL

Fithian, IL

Sidell, IL

Muncie, IL

Ridge Farm, IL

Fairmount, IL

Indianola, IL

Oakwood, IL

Olivet, IL

Danville, IL

Vermilion, IL

Georgetown, IL

Catlin, IL

Tilton, IL

Belgium, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews