Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Harmony, IN

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has become acknowledged as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair reflects an extended history of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair that is growing. When sampled close to the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair fibers (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair covers all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This comprises ensuring that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any further data entry not catered to by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves an initial brief assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical means to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to hold up in court. Samples that show positive in Screening do require a follow-up confirmation process.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a substantially lower concentration than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is the most arduous method to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory operation from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can recognize drug use for up to 90 days, compared to urine tests which offer a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: It is exceedingly difficult to tamper with a hair drug test, resulting in more precise outcomes.
• Delivers historical insight: It can illustrate a pattern of drug consumption over time, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent use: It takes approximately 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other drug testing approaches.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why is hair follicle testing the preferred choice over urine tests in Harmony, IN? The enhanced detection capabilities of hair tests make them a superior option. They offer unmatched reliability by uncovering substance use history beyond the scope of standard urine tests. This makes them ideal for maintaining strict workplace policies and ensuring compliance with various regulations.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle tests is a standout feature in Harmony, IN. Spanning up to 90 days, this method covers a broad timeline, offering an in-depth look into an individual's substance use history. Employers benefit from this comprehensive overview, gaining valuable insights that aid in informed decision-making about hiring and continued employment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle drug tests in Harmony, IN are lauded for their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other testing methods, these tests offer significant resistance to adulteration. The collection process is observed, reducing the chances of falsifying or compromising samples, thus ensuring the integrity and credibility of results, offering peace of mind to employers and authorities alike.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With testing centers in every city nationwide, including Harmony, IN, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is convenient and hassle-free. Our locations offer quick and easy access, ensuring minimal disruptions to your schedule. This widespread availability supports individuals and companies alike in maintaining compliance with various policies and regulations.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of hair follicle testing in Harmony, IN is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step respects privacy and ease of use. Clients can rest assured knowing their personal information is securely handled, making it an ideal option for those looking for a simple and discreet testing experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Harmony, IN, our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times make hair follicle drug testing an attractive option for companies of all sizes. Offering excellent value, these tests ensure companies receive timely results without a strain on their budget, facilitating quick decisions while maintaining economic efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Harmony, IN, hair follicle tests are celebrated for their speed and precision. Unlike traditional methods, they provide fast results without compromising accuracy. The process involves collecting hair samples, which can quickly and accurately detect the presence of drugs. This ensures that employers and individuals receive reliable information for decision-making, all delivered promptly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Harmony, IN achieve peace of mind thanks to hair follicle testing. Compliance with drug-free workplace policies is essential, and hair testing ensures adherence. This method not only helps reduce legal risks but also enhances overall workplace safety, providing a safer and more productive environment for employees and their employers.

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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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