Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Riverdale, IA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers in the growing strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide roughly a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, and those above 10 panels, a specimen size of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. In this context, head hair refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The process for a drug test result in the lab includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial phase of processing a sample within a lab's system. This stage verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any needed data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides a quick initial test for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, positive screenings must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.

Should a sample show presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted at a significantly lower concentration from hair compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.

Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are washed before confirmation if needed. The lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection period.
• Difficulty to cheat: The complexity of cheating a hair drug test enhances result accuracy.
• Provides historical data: It shows a pattern of drug use over time, not just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: It requires about 5-7 days for drugs to show in hair.
• Cost: Generally, hair drug tests are pricier compared to other testing methods.
• Variations in results: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth variations can impact drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine tests in Riverdale, IA.
Its superior detection capabilities provide a more reliable assessment of drug use over time, which is why many organizations prefer it.

Unlike urine tests, hair testing boasts a significantly broader detection window.
This makes it an attractive choice for employers who prioritize long-term accuracy in drug testing protocols.

Extended Detection Window

In Riverdale, IA, hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection window,
effectively uncovering drug use for a span of up to 90 days. This gives employers a comprehensive insight into an individual's recent substance history.

Employers find assurance in comprehensive substance tracking,
gaining a clearer understanding of applicants or employees' habits over time.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

With hair follicle tests in Riverdale, IA, the tampering risk significantly diminishes.
This reliable method offers unquestionable results, propelling it as a trustworthy choice for drug testing.

Hair testing's observed collection process further alleviates tampering concerns,
incorporating a secure and effective approach to substance testing.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our Riverdale, IA network offers convenient testing centers across the nation.
These facilities facilitate a swift, easy, and hassle-free access to professional testing services.

Quick and accessible, these expansive locations ensure a seamless
experience for clients requiring specialized testing solutions.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Riverdale, IA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential.
From ordering to result delivery, each step is designed to maintain privacy and simplicity.

We address privacy concerns effectively, providing a smooth process for all clients,
emphasizing ease of use and confidentiality in handling results.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Riverdale, IA, our pricing is competitive, offering affordability without compromising quality.
Fast turnaround times deliver results promptly, ensuring excellent value for all businesses.

From small businesses to large corporations, our structure accommodates
efficient services with swift timeframes to meet diverse client needs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Riverdale, IA, hair follicle drug tests offer unrivaled precision and speed.
The meticulous detection of substance use ensures that results are both fast and accurate, an essential factor for employers prioritizing reliability.

The high accuracy of these tests captures detailed substance traceability,
putting emphasis on their proficiency to detect even minor drug use efficiently.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring workplace safety in Riverdale, IA, hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free policies.
It minimizes legal risks and promotes health and safety in work environments.

Employers gain peace of mind from comprehensive testing protocols,
fortifying a zero-tolerance approach against drug use effectively.

Drug Testing Near Riverdale, IA

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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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