Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Winfield, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer extended histories of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair's structure. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage over a time span of up to 90 days. The collection process is straightforward, it’s relatively resistant to tampering, and facilitates easy transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil size) nearest the scalp provides approximately 100mg of hair, which is the standard for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplemental analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent mass of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug test result processing in the lab involves four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning signifies the introductory procedure of integrating a sample into the lab’s system. This comprises validating proper sealing and shipment of the sample, allocating it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional required data input beyond what the electronic chain of custody system provides.

Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for drug abuse detection. Although economical, screening alone isn’t sufficient for judicial purposes if drugs are detected; hence, a positive screening necessitates confirmation. Samples testing presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.

Presumptively positive samples from Screening lead to additional hair being prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are extracted from hair at more nuanced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid). This makes hair drug screening particularly challenging.

Positive results from the screening phase undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptively positive samples are appropriately cleaned before confirmation. The lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly evaluated for compliance with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Allows for drug use detection up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter detection periods.
• Difficulty to cheat: Higher accuracy due to the challenge in manipulating hair test results.
• Provides historical data: Offers a historical pattern of drug use as opposed to just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Cost: Hair drug testing tends to be costlier than alternative methods.
• Variations in results: Elements such as hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Winfield, IL

The advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests are numerous. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of drug use history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Winfield, IL

Hair follicle testing stands out with its ability to detect drug use over a prolonged period, up to 90 days. This extended detection offers employers a detailed view of an individual's substance history, crucial for informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Winfield, IL

Hair follicle tests significantly lessen the risks of sample tampering. Their reliable process ensures that results are unquestionable and trustworthy, providing peace of mind in drug testing outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Winfield, IL

With numerous testing centers nationwide, accessing hair follicle testing is quick and straightforward. Winfield, IL residents benefit from convenient local centers offering hassle-free testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Winfield, IL

Ordering and undergoing hair follicle testing is a straightforward and private process. Our services prioritize confidentiality, ensuring ease and privacy for all clients.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Winfield, IL

We offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, delivering exceptional value. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from our cost-effective and timely testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Winfield, IL

Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed in delivering results. They are highly accurate in detecting substances over an extended period, making them a preferred choice for timely and reliable testing.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Winfield, IL

Employers gain peace of mind and ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies by choosing hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal risks and boosts workplace safety.

Drug Testing Near Winfield, IL

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West Chicago, 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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