Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Hayden, IN

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting substance use. Hair offers an extensive historical record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can present a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to obtain, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.

A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hairs (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. When we say head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step verifies that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid inspection for drug abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples with presumed positive results in Screening need a secondary verification.

When Screening indicates a presumptive positive, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screenings.

Any positive Screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before Confirmation if necessary. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited 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 identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection timeframe.
• Challenge to deceive: Hair drug tests are tough to falsify, enhancing result accuracy.
• Provides historical insights: Hair testing can reveal a pattern of drug use over time, beyond just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests are pricier compared to other testing techniques.
• Variability in outcomes: Elements like hair color and differing growth rates can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Often called "hair follicle tests," the examination actually assesses the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hayden, IN
When assessing substance use, hair follicle testing offers undeniable advantages over traditional urine testing. Its accuracy and reliability stand out, providing extensive detection capabilities that outperform the limited window of urine tests. This method offers superior insight, capturing a broader scope of substance use and presenting a clear, reliable alternative for individuals and employers alike.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Hayden, IN
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection period unmatched by other methods, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days. This advantage allows employers to understand more thoroughly an applicant's or employee's substance history. With a view that spans months, companies gain a complete perspective of any habitual use, enabling informed decisions in Hayden, IN.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hayden, IN
In terms of sample integrity, hair follicle tests significantly lower the chances of tampering. The collection process is straightforward and involves professional observation, resulting in test outcomes that are virtually unalterable. This feature ensures that results are trusted and accurate, providing confidence to those seeking reliable testing solutions in Hayden, IN.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hayden, IN
With a wide network of testing centers, Accredited Drug Testing ensures fast and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing. Whether local in Hayden, IN or elsewhere nationwide, our services are easily accessible, saving time and simplifying the process for both employers and individuals seeking reliable testing solutions.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Hayden, IN
Ordering and completing a hair follicle test is designed to be simple and confidential, focusing on ease of use from start to finish. Privacy is safeguarded throughout the procedure, assuring clients of confidentiality in receiving results. This streamlined process is thoughtfully designed to address any privacy concerns in Hayden, IN.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hayden, IN
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures for hair follicle testing coupled with quick result delivery. This combination of affordability and efficiency provides excellent value, catering to organizations of various sizes. Clients in Hayden, IN can expect cost-effectiveness without compromising on swift, accurate results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hayden, IN
If you need quick, precise, and dependable outcomes from drug testing, hair follicle tests set the standard. They excel in detecting substance use with minimal delay and provide highly reliable readings. When compared to other methods, the speed and precision of hair follicle testing shine brightly, making them an ideal choice for employers in Hayden, IN, ensuring peace of mind.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hayden, IN
Employing hair follicle testing in the workplace supports compliance with drug-free policies. By subscribing to this rigorous testing method, employers curtail legal liabilities and foster a safe work environment. The improved reliability and extended detection window of hair tests empower companies to maintain integrity and peace of mind in Hayden, IN.

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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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