Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Metz, IN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged history of alcohol and various drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate detection period of up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient to ship.

A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) located nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. We advise weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial rapid drug check. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for it to be legally valid. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening need further confirmation.

Should a sample be presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is drawn from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a remarkably lower concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.

The Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized 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 timeframe: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for as long as 90 days, while urine tests have a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely difficult, ensuring more precise results.
• Provides historical insight: Allows detection of drug use patterns over time, not just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent use: It typically takes 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are usually pricier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and individual growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although sometimes termed "hair follicle tests", the actual test evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle tests are unparalleled in Metz, IN for their superior detection accuracy compared to urine tests. The extended analysis period, often up to 90 days, offers a thorough substance use record.
This comprehensive detection ensures employers maintain high standards and uphold strict policies.

Urine tests may fail to detect long-term use, whereas hair samples provide reliable insights, vital for informed decisions.

Extended Detection Window

In Metz, IN, hair follicle testing stands out for its extensive detection window. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days past,
it grants employers a thorough history of substance consumption.

• This method ensures a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's habits, vital for assessing reliability.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Metz, IN trusts hair follicle tests for their tamper-resistant nature. This process reduces the chance of sample compromise, offering unquestionable results. Eliminating sample manipulation is crucial for maintaining integrity.
Ensure accuracy through anti-tampering protocols, safeguarding the test's credibility.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing's extensive network spans Metz, IN and nation-wide. Our convenient center locations make testing straightforward and stress-free.
Accessible sites ensure quick service, catering to diverse testing needs in multiple cities.

Simple, Confidential Process

Offering a simple and private testing process, Metz, IN residents are ensured confidentiality from start to finish.

• Easy ordering and receiving of results streamline the process.
• Address all privacy concerns with transparency.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Metz, IN, enjoy competitive pricing and rapid results. Hair testing remains a cost-effective solution with fast turnaround times, providing assurance for businesses of any scale.

• Value for investment is maximized through our efficient service framework.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Metz, IN, the speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. Fast results and precise detection make this method superior for identifying substances. The high reliability ensures confidence for all stakeholders.

Processed efficiently, hair follicle tests deliver answers swiftly. Users can trust in the rapid turnaround, vital for time-sensitive decision-making processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

With hair follicle testing, employers in Metz, IN can achieve peace of mind and ensure policy compliance. Adhering to drug-free workplace standards minimizes legal risks, creating a safer, more productive environment.
Uphold regulations effectively, fostering a culture of accountability.

Drug Testing Near Metz, IN

Kendallville, IN

Altona, IN

Spencerville, IN

Milford, IN

Greenfield, IN

St. Joe, IN

Saint Joe, IN

Corunna, IN

Orland, IN

Stroh, IN

Waterloo, IN

Ashley, IN

Pleasant Lake, IN

Fremont, IN

Angola, 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