Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Woodson, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it develops. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to around a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat hard to adulterate, and straightforward to ship.

A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the ideal sample for initial analysis and verification. For EtG, additional add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, a proportional amount of body hair can be collected. Concerning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair only. Body hair refers to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four principal steps in the laboratory analysis of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the preliminary entry of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This entails verifying that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not available via an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug usage on most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation to be permissible in court. Any samples that indicate a presumptive positive in Screening require a secondary verification.

If a sample registers as presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is drawn from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most complex method to conduct.

Verification of any positive screening result is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection period.
• Challenging to falsify: It is extremely difficult to tamper with a hair drug test, enhancing the accuracy of the results.
• Provides historical data: It can illustrate a pattern of drug use over time, not merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to ascertain recent use: It requires approximately 5-7 days for drugs to be detectable in hair.
• Cost: Hair drug tests tend to be more costly than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Woodson, IL offers a more accurate and reliable detection method compared to traditional urine testing. Its superior detection accuracy surfaces in the long detection window, while it also boosts reliability by reducing test manipulation. When it comes to accurately pointing out past drug use, hair testing is simply unmatched, providing a clearer picture of an individual's substance history.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Woodson, IL, provides an extended detection window that spans up to 90 days. This broader observation period gives employers a detailed view of a candidate or employee’s past substance use. Such a test is invaluable for firms that are serious about maintaining a drug-free environment, as it offers more comprehensive insights than shorter-duration tests, like urine tests.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle test in Woodson, IL is a robust, tamper-resistant method of drug screening. By minimizing the chances of sample adulteration, this process ensures that results remain reliable and beyond question. The nature of the test makes it difficult for individuals to alter or cheat, providing employers and legal entities with unassailable evidence of substance use.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Woodson, IL, and across the nation, enjoy the convenience of our widespread testing centers. Our nationwide locations ensure quick and easy access to hair follicle testing services. This extensive network allows individuals and organizations to schedule testing without hassles, ensuring that drug screening is accessible locally or wherever you may be.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our process in Woodson, IL is both simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward, with built-in privacy measures. This ensures that users not only find the process effortless but also reassuring, as personal information and results are handled with utmost confidentiality, making the entire experience stress-free.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Woodson, IL residents can benefit from our affordable pricing and speedy service when it comes to hair follicle drug tests. We offer competitive rates, ensuring that companies of any size can afford this reliable option. The fast turnaround times further add value, allowing for quick decisions and reduced waiting periods, making this a cost-effective choice for all.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Woodson, IL, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. They are exceptionally accurate in identifying substance use, offering swift results. These tests ensure that results are reliable, providing peace of mind to both employers and individuals. The speed at which these tests deliver concrete results is unparalleled, making them a top choice for anyone serious about substance testing.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing in Woodson, IL brings compliance and peace of mind to employers by supporting drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal complications and heightens workplace safety. By relying on a rigorous testing standard, businesses can be confident about maintaining their compliance with regulations, thus fostering a safer, more productive 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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