Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Dunkirk, IN

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It provides an extended record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When cut close to the scalp, it may show up to a 3-month window for detecting substances. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to alter, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample containing approximately 200 hair strands (equal to the girth of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG and additional tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If there is no scalp hair available, collecting an equivalent amount of body hair is an alternative. When discussing head hair, the reference is specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary phases in laboratory analysis for a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a laboratory's system. It comprises confirming the sample was adequately sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any supplemental data entry not supported by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary swift evaluation for substances typically abused. While it is a cost-efficient method to negate drug consumption in most cases, a non-negative screen must be verified to be used in legal proceedings. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require another level of confirmation.

When a sample indicates a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial collection and set for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at a concentration much lower than that of other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug panels are among the most complex to complete.

Confirmation of a positive result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a wash prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory cycle from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection duration: Hair panels can indicate drug consumption over a 90-day span, whereas urine tests have a more limited detection time.
• Challenging to falsify: It is notably tough to deceive a hair examination, enhancing result accuracy.
• Presents historical insights: It reveals a usage trend over time, unlike detecting only recent intake.

Limitations:

• Lacks recent usage detection: Drugs become noticeable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Pricing: Hair analyses are usually pricier compared to other drug evaluation methods.
• Result variability: Hair color and individual growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels.

Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", these evaluations consider the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Dunkirk, IN, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests due to its enhanced detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, hair tests offer superior accuracy and reliability, identifying drug use over extended periods. This makes them an excellent choice for employers seeking a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Dunkirk, IN, is a notable advantage, revealing drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain comprehensive insights into an applicant or employee's long-term substance history, offering a reliable assessment tool.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Dunkirk, IN, hair follicle tests are known for their tamper-resistant qualities. By significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests provide results that are dependable and beyond reproach, establishing them as a trustworthy option for drug testing.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our convenient nationwide testing centers, including those in Dunkirk, IN, simplify the drug testing process. With easy access and fast service, these locations provide seamless support to individuals and businesses alike, promoting a streamlined and hassle-free testing experience.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Dunkirk, IN, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, we ensure privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns related to confidentiality and making the entire experience straightforward and user-friendly.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Dunkirk, IN, our hair follicle testing stands out for its affordable pricing and quick turnaround. Tailored to provide exceptional value, these tests cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring that cost-effectiveness and rapid results are part of the service offered.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Dunkirk, IN, hair follicle drug tests deliver results with remarkable accuracy. Precision and speed are hallmarks of these tests, making them superior for identifying substance use effectively. When compared to other testing methods, hair tests shine in their ability to promptly reflect drug usage, ensuring that results are both fast and trustworthy.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Dunkirk, IN, gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. By adhering to drug-free policies, this testing method helps reduce legal risks and reinforces workplace safety, ensuring a secure and compliant environment for all employees.

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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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