Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Hanna, IN

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands retain markers within their fibers, providing an extended timeline of substance use. When gathered near the scalp, hair shows alcohol and drug presence for up to a 3-month period. Hair is easy to collect, slightly hard to tamper with, and convenient to ship.

A 1.5-inch section with about 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG or specials tests and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is absent, equivalent body hair can be used. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair includes all other varieties (e.g., axillary, facial, etc.).

Process Overview

The core steps in lab processing of drug test outcomes are Screening, Confirmation, Accessioning, and Extraction.

Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is processed into the lab’s system. This phase checks that the sample is correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any remaining data not integrated through an electronic chain of custody.

Screening executes an initial, brief scan for substance abuse. As a cost-efficient method, it eliminates drug presence in many samples, yet a positive result needs confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positive results in Screening require additional validation.

If a specimen tests positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the sample for preparation in Extraction. In this step, drugs are drawn from hair at levels much lower than other means (e.g., oral fluid, urine), which is why hair drug testing is among the most challenging to perform.

Upon a positive screen, a follow-up confirmation is carried out using GC/MS, LC/MS/MS, or GC/MS/MS. Before verification, all samples that tested presumptive positive undergo washing as needed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire process is reviewed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug usage up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection period.
• Hard to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, making outcomes more credible.
• Highlights historical patterns: It offers insight into a timeline of drug use, not only recent activity.

Limitations:

• Can’t detect immediate use: Drugs take about 5-7 days to register in hair.
• Pricing: Generally, hair drug tests are pricier than other testing approaches.
• Inconsistent results: Variables such as hair hue and individual growth differences can alter the concentration of metabolites.

Note: Though often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually scrutinizes the hair strand, not the follicle itself.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Hanna, IN, hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine testing. It offers a superior accuracy with an extended detection window of up to 90 days, versus the shorter span of urine tests. The introduction of reliable and detailed results makes hair testing a preferred choice for employers.

Employers seeking trustworthy detection methods opt for hair testing because it reveals a comprehensive overview of substance use, unlike urine tests which only detect recent use. The increased reliability of hair testing ensures better compliance with workplace regulations in Hanna, IN.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Hanna, IN offers a major advantage with its extended detection window. Unlike other methods, hair analysis can reveal drug use history over a period of up to 90 days. This provides employers with a broad perspective on an individual's substance history, which is invaluable for making informed decisions.

With a longer timeframe to identify substance use, hair follicle testing allows employers to maintain higher safety standards. It ensures a more accurate representation of an employee's behavior over time, reducing risks associated with undetected substance abuse in the workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Hanna, IN, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant method for detecting drug use. Unlike other testing forms that might be adulterated or cheated, hair testing effectively reduces these risks. With this process, employers can be assured of obtaining unquestionable results.

The integrity of hair follicle tests lies in their method; samples are collected under observation and are difficult to alter. This establishes hair testing as a secure and reliable choice for ensuring an honest assessment of an individual's substance use.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations nationwide, including in Hanna, IN. With a network of testing centers, accessing services is quick and hassle-free. No matter where you are, our facilities ensure that testing is within reach for all individuals in need.

The advantage of numerous testing sites lies in their ability to offer timely services. In Hanna, IN, residents can expect easy access to testing without lengthy travel, making the process not only seamless but also efficient for both employers and employees alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Hanna, IN, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, addressing concerns of privacy for clients. With a streamlined procedure, ordering, taking, and receiving test results is straightforward, ensuring ease of use for all participants involved.

The discreet nature of this process ensures that individuals’ privacy is protected throughout the testing journey. By providing clear instructions and efficient communication, people can navigate the testing process without stress or confusion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable pricing and fast turnaround characterize hair follicle testing in Hanna, IN. Companies benefit from cost-effective testing solutions without compromising on quality or speed, ensuring excellent value in maintaining workplace safety.

The efficiency of our services ensures that results are delivered swiftly, allowing businesses to make informed decisions promptly. Competitive pricing structures mean that organizations of all sizes can access this valuable service without exceeding budget constraints, enhancing both economic and operational advantages.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

When it comes to speed and precision in Hanna, IN, hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. Accurate in detecting substance use, these tests combine cutting-edge technology with rapid processing times. Fast results mean that employers can make informed decisions swiftly, ensuring workplace safety and compliance.

The efficiency of hair testing lies in its ability to process samples quickly without compromising accuracy. In contrast to other methods, which can take longer, hair follicle tests deliver reliable outcomes in record time, providing Hanna, IN employers with the information they need.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Hanna, IN find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, which ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. The reduction of legal risks and enhanced safety provided by this testing method helps organizations maintain a secure work environment.

Hair testing aids companies in showcasing their commitment to safety and accountability. By adhering to stringent testing protocols, employers foster a responsible culture, thereby reducing incidents that might arise from substance misuse among employees. Comprehensive assessments through hair tests reassure employers of maintaining policy compliance.

Drug Testing Near Hanna, IN

Valparaiso, IN

Porter, IN

Grovertown, IN

Kouts, IN

Hamlet, IN

North Judson, IN

Stillwell, IN

Malden, IN

Kingsbury, IN

LaPorte, IN

La Porte, IN

Westville, IN

Kingsford Heights, IN

Wanatah, IN

Wellsboro, 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