Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Canaan, IN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair, it offers a chronological record of alcohol and drug exposure. When samples are derived near the scalp, hair can reveal the presence of alcohol and other substances for a duration of roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for preliminary testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is recommended. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a corresponding quantity of body hair can be utilized. In mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary phases in processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves introducing a specimen into the laboratory's system. This entails confirming the specimen was securely sealed and correctly transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody method.

Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Screening is a budget-friendly approach to disregarding drug use in most samples, yet a positive screen must be verified for court acceptance. Samples initially indicating positive in Screening must undergo subsequent confirmation.

If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, a greater amount of hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drug retrieval from hair occurs at a reduced concentration level than alternative techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The overall lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug consumption for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection period.
• Cheating deterrent: Cheating a hair drug test is exceedingly difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical data provision: It supplies a pattern of drug use over time, not solely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Current use non-detection: Drugs become discernible in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are generally more costly than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand and not the sub-scalp hair follicle

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Canaan, IN
The advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests are numerous. Hair tests offer a longer detection period, ensuring a broader view of substance use. Additionally, the likelihood of tampering is greatly reduced, making them a more reliable choice.

Compared to urine testing, hair follicle tests are unparalleled in accuracy and comprehensiveness. Not only do they provide detailed substance use history, but they also maintain reliability across various testing situations.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Canaan, IN
An appealing feature of hair follicle tests is their extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, they offer a detailed history of substance use, providing valuable insights for employers.

The extended window for detection with hair follicle tests offers meaningful advantages. Employers gain a comprehensive understanding of an employee's or applicant's drug history. This reliable information aids more informed decision-making processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Canaan, IN
Hair follicle tests stand out due to their resistance to tampering. This method significantly reduces sample adulteration risks, ensuring reliable and trustworthy results, a critical aspect for any drug testing program.

The integrity of hair follicle testing offers reassurance. Its design naturally safeguards against tampering, assuring accurate outcomes and instilling confidence amongst all testing stakeholders.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Canaan, IN
With our widespread network of testing centers, accessibility becomes seamless. Testing services remain quick and straightforward, ensuring a hassle-free experience for everyone involved.

Local Access, National Reach
Our presence in numerous locations nationwide supports easy accessibility. This ensures efficient service delivery, meeting local needs while upholding national standards.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Canaan, IN
Our drug testing process is user-friendly and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, users are assured their privacy is respected, making the entire experience straightforward and secure.

Streamlined for Your Convenience
Privacy concerns are addressed with our confidential process. Secure handling from order to completion ensures client comfort and eases any potential apprehensions regarding confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Canaan, IN
We pride ourselves on competitive pricing structures and swift turnaround times. Our efficient services deliver exceptional value for businesses of varying sizes, providing cost-effective and timely solutions.

Value-Driven Solutions
Our attractive pricing model, combined with quick response times, offers notable advantages. Businesses enjoy both affordability and peace of mind, with reliable results delivered promptly.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Canaan, IN
Hair follicle drug tests boast unmatched precision and speed. Their high accuracy ensures confident detection of drug use, crucial in many industries. This testing method consistently delivers results you can trust, highlighting its superior reliability.

By offering quick, dependable results, hair follicle testing sets a high standard. In fields valuing accuracy, the rapid turnaround of these tests provides a distinct advantage.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Canaan, IN
Hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Employers minimize legal risks and enhance workplace safety by adopting this advanced testing method.

Employers gain peace of mind when implementing hair testing policies. The assurance of compliance aligned with reduced legal concerns enhances overall operational security, promoting a safe working environment.

Drug Testing Near Canaan, IN

Lovett, IN

Milan, IN

Paris Crossing, IN

Osgood, IN

Dillsboro, IN

Butlerville, IN

East Enterprise, IN

Holton, IN

Vevay, IN

Hanover, IN

Versailles, IN

Dupont, IN

Brooksburg, IN

Cross Plains, IN

Rexville, IN

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