Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Saint Bernice, IN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal usage of alcohol and other substances over an approximate three-month period. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches of about 200 hair strands (resembling the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both initial screening and subsequent confirmation. For EtG, additional assessments, and/or testing beyond ten panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is absent, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a laboratory's system, which involves checking that the sample was securely sealed and correctly shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary quick assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective strategy to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a confirmed positive result is necessary for legal proceedings. All samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require a further confirmation.

Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is sourced from the initial specimen for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to carry out.

Confirmation for any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. During Confirmation, all samples that are presumptively positive are washed as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in accordance with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for a duration of up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection timeframe.
• Challenging to manipulate: It's considerably difficult to deceive a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Delivers historical tracking: It can illustrate a pattern of drug usage over time, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: It takes roughly 5-7 days for drugs to appear in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs compared to alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and personal variations in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although commonly described as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand, not the hair follicle located beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing shines in Saint Bernice, IN, by offering several advantages over urine testing. While urine tests provide limited windows for detection, hair testing offers a broad and detailed analysis of drug usage over time, enhancing its reliability and detection accuracy. This makes hair testing a superior choice for those valuing a thorough substance use history.

Extended Detection Window

With its extended detection window in Saint Bernice, IN, hair follicle testing enables employers to gain comprehensive insights into an individual’s drug use history. Capable of identifying substance use over 90 days, it provides a far-reaching assessment that aids in making informed decisions, surpassing standard testing limits in both scope and detail.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Saint Bernice, IN, presents a superior method of ensuring sample integrity. This testing approach significantly diminishes the chance of adulteration, guaranteeing trustworthy and authentic results. With such reliability, confidence in the outcome is bolstered for both employers and professionals.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our extensive network of testing locations, including those in Saint Bernice, IN, ensures convenience and accessibility for all clients. Nationwide centers afford quick and seamless access to testing services, streamlining the process and alleviating logistical concerns for organizations and individuals alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

We prioritize a simple and confidential testing process in Saint Bernice, IN. From the straightforward ordering of tests to receiving the results securely, we ensure privacy throughout. This approach alleviates concerns regarding sensitive information, enabling users to proceed with confidence and trust.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordability meets speed in Saint Bernice, IN, with our competitive testing prices and fast turnaround times. Delivering excellent value, we cater to businesses of all sizes seeking cost-effective solutions without compromising on reliability. The balance of affordability and rapid results enhances client satisfaction tremendously.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Saint Bernice, IN, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast and accurate results. These tests streamline the detection process, ensuring quick and precise identification of substances. The advanced technology used in hair testing ensures dependable outcomes, making it an ideal choice for those seeking certainty in their results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For workplaces in Saint Bernice, IN, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free policies, safeguarding against legal risks. This method not only promotes workplace safety but also provides employers with the peace of mind of knowing they are adhering to ethical and lawful standards, thus upholding a secure work environment.

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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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