Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Kewanna, IN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is acknowledged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged account of alcohol and drug presence by integrating biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When procured near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month timeframe of drug and alcohol use. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easily transported.

A 1.5-inch segment composed of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be retrieved, a proportional quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair specify scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the introductory handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This encompasses verifying the integrity and proper shipment of the sample, designating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data recording absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage across most samples, a positive indication must be authenticated to be legally sound. Instances of presumptive positives during Screening necessitate confirmatory procedures.

Should there be a presumptive positive in Screening, further hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn out from hair in substantially lower concentrations compared to other practices (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis particularly intricate.

Confirmation of positive screening findings is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each presumptive positive sample undergoes cleansing before confirmation if required. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to reviews under 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 possess the ability to recognize drug use for as long as 90 days, in contrast to urine tests which have a shorter detection period.
• Hard to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is notably difficult, enhancing the accuracy of the results.
• Offers historical data: It can reveal a drug usage pattern over an extended timeframe, beyond just recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs take about 5-7 days to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other drug testing techniques.
• Result discrepancies: Hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing is revered as a superior alternative to traditional urine tests in Kewanna, IN. Its extensive detection range ensures a more comprehensive overview of an individual's drug history, unmatched by urine testing. Employers find more reliability in hair testing due to its resilience against tampering, combined with prolonged detection capabilities. Together, these features exemplify the benefits that hair tests have over urine tests, guaranteeing precise and dependable results.

Extended Detection Window

In Kewanna, IN, hair follicle testing offers a prolonged detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This extensive period enables employers to gain a well-rounded perspective on the substance use history of applicants and current employees. The elongated detection timeline stands out as a significant advantage, allowing for thorough assessments that cover an individual’s substance discernment far better than shorter detection alternatives.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Kewanna, IN, significantly mitigate the likelihood of tampering, offering dependable and irrefutable results. This method resists attempts at sample adulteration, unlike traditional urine tests, providing businesses with accurate insights into drug use. By choosing hair follicle testing, organizations can ensure unquestionable integrity in substance assessments and uphold reliable drug testing standards without hesitation.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Kewanna, IN, convenient locations for drug testing are accessible nationally, ensuring a seamless experience. Our nationwide network assures straightforward access to hair follicle testing services. Whether local or from afar, individuals receive timely and hassle-free service, enhancing user experience significantly. This accessibility underscores our commitment to providing comprehensive and ease-of-use offerings to all seeking reliable drug testing solutions.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Kewanna, IN, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, each step is designed with privacy and ease of use in mind. The straightforward ordering system alleviates concerns about complexity, while the discretion maintained throughout gives individuals confidence in confidentiality. Enjoy seamless testing with steps tailored for both convenience and trustworthiness.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our hair follicle testing services in Kewanna, IN, stand out for their affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. Offering competitive pricing, we ensure excellent value for businesses of all sizes. The rapid result delivery further amplifies the benefit, enabling companies to make informed decisions without delay. Such attributes guarantee customer satisfaction, aligning quality service with cost-effective solutions that cater to a wide array of testing needs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Kewanna, IN, hair follicle drug tests shine due to their swiftness and accuracy. These tests ensure an exceptional level of precision, offering unrivaled accuracy in identifying substance usage. The process guarantees a quick turnaround, making it an ideal choice for those needing reliable results promptly. Hair testing's dependability makes it a popular option across diverse situations, reflecting the efficiency and exactitude of the method.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle testing in Kewanna, IN, delivers peace of mind for employers by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal vulnerabilities and enhances workplace safety. The assurance provided by hair testing allows businesses to maintain stringent substance policies confidently, fostering a secure and risk-free work environment for all employees, supported by the thoroughness and accuracy of the results.

Drug Testing Near Kewanna, IN

Logansport, IN

Argos, IN

Denham, IN

Bass Lake, IN

Macy, IN

Culver, IN

Metea, IN

Royal Center, IN

Rochester, IN

Winamac, IN

Delong, IN

Star City, IN

Grass Creek, 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