Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Sandborn, IN

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for detecting substance use. Hair retains a historical record of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When samples are taken nearest to the scalp, they can offer an approximate detection window of up to three months for alcohol and drug use. The collection process for hair is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.

A sample length of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) cut closest to the scalp yields 100mg—optimal for testing and analysis. For EtG assessments, additional requirements, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of sample is preferred. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement is advisable. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. In reference to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair, in contrast, encompasses all other types of hair (like facial or axillary).

Process Overview

The laboratory process for evaluating a drug test involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the procedure of introducing a sample to a laboratory's framework. This step ensures that the sample has been securely sealed and shipped, assigns it an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might not provide.

Screening is the preliminary analysis for detecting drugs commonly abused. Though Screening is a budget-friendly option for excluding drug presence in most samples, any positive results require confirmation for legal admissibility. Those samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

Should a specimen test presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Drugs are extracted at notably lower concentrations from hair compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluids), making hair analysis one of the more challenging methodologies.

Confirmation of any initial positive results is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technology. All samples presumed positive undergo a cleansing process before confirmation if necessary. The full process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review as per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug analysis:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug analysis can reveal drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a more limited detection period.
• High resistance to tampering: It is exceptionally challenging to deceive a hair drug test, thereby enhancing the reliability of the outcomes.
• Offers longitudinal data: It provides insight into drug use patterns over time, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: It typically takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become apparent in hair samples.
• Expense: Hair drug analysis tends to be costlier compared to alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Variables such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug byproducts in the hair.

Note: Referred to commonly as "hair follicle tests", this analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the skin.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Sandborn, IN, hair follicle testing clearly outshines urine testing. Unlike urine tests which only show recent drug use, hair tests reveal a comprehensive 90-day usage history, offering superior detection accuracy.
This robust method assures employers and professionals of its reliability, leaving no room for manipulation that urine tests might suffer from.

Hair testing's observed collection process eliminates tampering risks common in urine testing, ensuring the authenticity of the results and providing greater peace of mind.

Extended Detection Window

In Sandborn, IN, one significant advantage of hair follicle drug tests is their extensive detection window of up to 90 days. This is far beyond the capabilities of traditional methods, offering a detailed view of an individual's substance history.
Such analysis is crucial for employers wishing to ensure a thorough evaluation of potential candidates or current employees.

This extended period allows organizations to make informed decisions by considering an applicant's past, and not just their present, drug usage patterns.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Sandborn, IN, effectively minimizes tampering risk, a common issue with other methods. The observed collection process and the inherent properties of hair samples make it difficult for deception or sample adulteration.
Utilizing this method guarantees that the results obtained are trustworthy, allowing for confident decision-making.

This robust testing framework ensures that both firms and individuals receive results that are beyond question, maintaining integrity at all times.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Sandborn, IN, the convenience of our nationwide testing centers is unmatched. With locations spread across the country, accessing drug testing services is both quick and hassle-free.
Whether you're local or need services in another city, Accredited Drug Testing has you covered with efficient and accessible options.

This widespread presence ensures that both individuals and businesses get easy access to necessary drug testing services at any needed time or place.

Simple, Confidential Process

Accredited Drug Testing in Sandborn, IN, simplifies the entire testing process to maintain confidentiality and ease. From ordering the test to sample collection and receiving the results, every step is streamlined.
Clients can trust our systems to keep their information private and secure, emphasizing hassle-free experiences.

Our simplified procedures ensure that test-takers can focus on living and working while being assured of their privacy during the testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordability meets efficiency at Accredited Drug Testing in Sandborn, IN. Competitive pricing makes comprehensive hair follicle testing accessible to businesses and individuals of all sizes.
Our quick turnaround times complement this, providing excellent value without compromising on the quality and reliability of the results.

By balancing cost and efficiency, our services ensure that clients receive top-tier testing without financial strain, fostering peace of mind across the board.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Sandborn, IN, provide fast and accurate results. Within a short span, results reflecting substance use history can be obtained, thanks to advanced technology.
Precision in detecting varied substances within the hair sample stands as a testament to the test's reliability.

Efficiency is paramount. Hair follicle testing procedures are streamlined for accuracy and speed, cutting down waiting times significantly. This ensures that both individuals and employers can make informed decisions swiftly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing in Sandborn, IN, offers employers compliance and peace of mind. Adopting this testing method helps meet legal requirements and fosters a safe, drug-free work environment.
Reducing legal risks, it bolsters workplace integrity by ensuring employees align with company policies and standards.

By embracing such reliable methods, organizations are assured not only of compliant practices but also of a secure working atmosphere, crucial for business success.

Drug Testing Near Sandborn, IN

Ragsdale, IN

Dugger, IN

Carlisle, IN

Switz City, IN

Odon, IN

Bicknell, IN

Cornettsville, IN

Linton, IN

Newberry, IN

Lyons, IN

Bucktown, IN

Edwardsport, IN

Freelandville, IN

Plainville, IN

Elnora, 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