Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Rodman, IA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying substance use, whether it be drugs or alcohol. This form of testing captures a historical record of these substances by embedding markers within the developing hair fibers. When the hair sample is taken directly adjacent to the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to around three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

To obtain an optimal sample for both screening and validation, a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 strands of hair (roughly equaling a #2 pencil's girth) nearest to the scalp is needed, equating to 100mg of hair. When testing for EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler's scale is suggested for measuring the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. When mentioned as head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types like facial or axillary hair.

Process Summary

There are four primary stages in the laboratory's processing of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the early steps of incorporating a specimen into a lab’s framework. This process ensures the specimen was appropriately sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any further data processing not filled in by an electronic chain of custody procedure.

Screening constitutes a preliminary rapid examination for drug presence. Although Screening efficiently discerns drug usage from the majority of specimens, a favorable screen result demands validation to be permissible in legal settings. Any samples marked as potentially positive during Screening require additional verification.

Upon a sample returning potentially positive from the Screening step, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are extracted at significantly reduced concentrations compared to methods like urine or oral fluid testing, highlighting why hair drug screening presents as the most intricate methodology.

Verification of any positive Screening outcomes is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples tentatively identified as positive undergo pre-verification washing as necessary. The complete laboratory operation from Accessioning through to Confirmation is evaluated under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is also ISO / IEC 17025 credentialed.

Strengths of hair drug analysis:

• Extended detection duration: Hair tests identify drug consumption for up to 90 days, contrary to urine tests which offer shorter timeframes.
• Resilient to deceit: Tampering with a hair drug test proves far more challenging, ensuring more authentic results.
• Historical insight: It captures drug usage patterns over time, not merely recent consumption.

Drawbacks:

• Incapable of identifying very recent use: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing generally incurs higher costs compared to other testing approaches.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and personal hair growth rates potentially influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination actually targets the hair strand itself, not the follicles beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why choose hair follicle testing over urine tests in Rodman, IA? The answer lies in its unparalleled detection and dependability. Compared to urine tests, hair testing provides better accuracy and longer detection periods.

• Hair tests can reveal drug use within a 90-day window.
• They are less prone to sample tampering.
• Hair maintains drug traces longer than urine, offering a clearer picture of one’s drug history.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Rodman, IA, offers an extended detection timeline, proving beneficial for employers seeking a comprehensive substance use profile.

• This method reveals drug use up to 90 days prior, giving a clearer picture.
• Its broad detection window covers potential substance use spanning months, unlike traditional testing methods.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Rodman, IA, are renowned for their tamper-resistant nature. This testing method significantly minimizes the chances of adulteration.

• The sample is collected under observation, reducing the risk of substitution or dilution.
• Natural hair growth captures drug deposits, making external tampering ineffective.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Rodman, IA, Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide network simplifies access to testing services. Our mutlitude of local and national centers provide

• easy navigation through various stages of testing,
• access to professional guidance and assistance,
• efficient scheduling that fits client needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

Navigate the testing process effortlessly in Rodman, IA, with our straightforward and private procedure. The steps include

• ordering tests through a seamless online or telephone process,
• following easy test procedures, and
• receiving results in a confidential manner.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Rodman, IA, our competitive pricing structure and quick response make us an excellent choice.

• Organizations of any size can benefit from affordable testing options.
• Rapid turnaround times are designed to provide swift solutions and alleviate concerns swiftly.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Rodman, IA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and accuracy. The advanced technology used in these tests ensures timely detection of substance use, offering precise and credible results.

• The tests can rapidly identify drug traces, minimizing the waiting time for results.
• The proficiency in exposing drug history enhances confidence among employers and individuals alike, ensuring trustworthy outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Rodman, IA, gain peace of mind and compliance assurance with hair follicle testing. Using this method

• ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies,
• reduces potential legal challenges arising from drug use incidents, and
• enhances overall safety and productivity.

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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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