Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Kesley, IA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly viewed as an effective means for detecting substances like drugs and alcohol. By capturing biomarkers in the growing hair strand's fibers, hair gives a prolonged history of alcohol and other substance use. When cut near the scalp, hair offers up to about a three-month detection frame for both alcohol and drugs. The collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch hair sample comprising roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both screening and affirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be collected. When discussing head hair, it means scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for drug test results covers four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's process. This step ensures that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry that isn't available through an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for illicit drugs. Although Screening is an economical way to exclude drug use on most samples, a positive initial result must be confirmed for it to be considered valid in legal settings. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening need a secondary validation.

Should a sample show a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and set for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing the most technically challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any initial positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives are cleaned as necessary before confirmation. The entire laboratory chain from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair framework and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, compared to urine tests which have a shorter detection period.
• Hard to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is quite tough, enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Chronological drug use data: Provides a drug usage pattern over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to spot recent use: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is typically costlier than other methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual discrepancies in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the underneath hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Kesley, IA, offers superior benefits over urine tests, proving its worth as a robust screening tool. Better accuracy enhances detection by catching even subtle traces missed by urine analysis.
Urine tests only cover recent consumption, while hair provides a longer view into substance habits.
Hair testing is more reliable for employers enforcing a strict drug-free policy.

Extended Detection Window

The hair follicle drug test's extended detection window makes it invaluable in Kesley, IA. Unlike urine tests limited to recent use, hair tests reveal substance history spanning up to 90 days.
This broad range offers employers a detailed insight, crucial for ensuring a safe and compliant work environment. Such a feature fortifies any drug-free workplace program, offering a distinct edge.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Kesley, IA, stands out with its tamper-resistant advantages. It dramatically lowers the chance of sample adulteration, delivering reliable and indisputable results.
Confidence in the accuracy of hair testing is integral for employers combating workplace drug use.

• Secures undeniable integrity in sample collection
• Enhances trustworthiness in results

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With its expansive network, Kesley, IA, enjoys convenient testing locations nationwide. Ensuring accessibility to hair follicle testing services,
Accredited Drug Testing simplifies the process for all involved.
Whether local or national, quick and efficient access to testing supports both logistical ease and user satisfaction.
Prioritize convenience without compromising on quality.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Kesley, IA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and private. The steps—from ordering to receiving results—are designed with confidentiality in mind.
Concerns about privacy are addressed, ensuring a stress-free experience.
This ensures the process is not only easy but also solely focused on protecting individual rights and employer interests.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Kesley, IA, Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing and swift turnaround times. Our services deliver excellent value, catering to companies of all sizes.
The affordability of hair testing doesn’t sacrifice speed or quality, proving cost-effective plans can pair with quality service.
Companies benefit from budget-friendly options while ensuring precise and dependable results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Kesley, IA, hair follicle testing is renowned for fast and accurate results. These tests excel at pinpointing drug use with precision.
Within days, results reveal a comprehensive substance history. Hair testing's accuracy shields it from common pitfalls faced by other screening methods. Reliability is unmatched, providing employers with assured results in hiring and compliance monitoring.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Kesley, IA, gain compliance and tranquility through hair follicle testing. This method assures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks.
Beyond compliance, it fosters a culture of safety and peace of mind for all stakeholders.
Hair testing is a strategic tool, reinforcing company values while supporting a safer working 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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