Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bennington, KS

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is acclaimed as a robust mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can present up to an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four core stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This stage involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening comprises an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to dismiss drug usage on the majority of samples, a positive screen needs to be verified to be valid in a legal context. Any samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.

Should a sample show presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), leading to hair drug screening being the most challenging methodology to execute.

Validation of any positive screening outcome is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation when needed. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests, which have a more limited detection period.
• Challenging to manipulate results: It is exceedingly challenging to cheat a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Delivers historical insight: It can reveal a pattern of drug use over a period, not solely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other drug testing methods.
• Results variances: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing is steadily gaining favor in Bennington, KS, proving superior to urine tests. Hair testing offers enhanced detection accuracy over longer periods, outshining traditional urine methods. For those required to uphold strict drug policies, the near-impossibility of cheating on hair tests offers an unrivaled advantage.

Employers benefit significantly from the reliable patterns that hair testing provides, capturing a user's drug history in a thorough manner, surpassing what urine testing can offer.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Bennington, KS, extends the detection window up to 90 days. This capability offers employers an expansive look into a person’s drug use history. Such a temporal advantage is vital in ensuring thorough assessments of an individual’s substance habits.

Employers find this extensive window crucial when hiring, as it provides insights well beyond recent events, reaching conclusions that are more informed than those relying solely on short-term detection methods.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Bennington, KS, hair follicle tests are instrumental in reducing tampering risks. Compared to other methods, hair testing significantly lowers the chance of adulteration, ensuring the results are both reliable and incontrovertible for any required assessments.

Hair tests provide satisfaction in their authenticity, as they undergo rigorous collection processes that shield against manipulation, creating trustworthy outcomes that show resilience against any form of interference.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing makes drug testing accessible in Bennington, KS, through our comprehensive network of testing centers. Convenient nationwide and local locations ensure easy access, simplifying the testing process for individuals and companies alike.

Our widespread locations enable hassle-free scheduling, ensuring you receive timely service without unnecessary delays. This convenience makes it easier than ever to get tested or test others within your area.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our hair follicle testing process in Bennington, KS is straightforward and private. From ordering to receiving results, we ensure the process respects confidentiality and minimizes complexity, providing peace of mind every step of the way.

Presented in a clear and efficient manner, our testing services address privacy concerns effectively, with streamlined procedures that are designed for the utmost convenience and security.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Bennington, KS, our hair follicle testing services boast competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. These advantages bring remarkable value to businesses of all dimensions, supporting budgetary and operational requirements with ease.

Our commitment to affordability and quick results means companies get dependable service promptly, without incurring excessive expenses, thus maintaining both fiscal responsibility and decisiveness.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Bennington, KS, hair follicle tests offer quick and dependable results. Their high accuracy in detecting substances gives you confidence in the test’s findings. The precision in identifying drug use allows for effective decision-making, making these tests a preferred choice for reliable outcomes.

The advanced methodologies used in hair tests ensure rapid turnaround times without compromising on quality. This timeliness is crucial for employers needing immediate information on substance use while maintaining decision-making accuracy.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle testing in Bennington, KS ensures employer compliance with drug-free workplace policies, promoting peace of mind. This method reduces legal liabilities, enhancing workplace safety and aligning with best practices.

The predictability and robustness of hair testing support employers in maintaining steady workflows and avoiding disruptions caused by substance misuse, all while adhering to regulations effectively.

Drug Testing Near Bennington, KS

Glendale, KS

Longford, KS

Tescott, KS

Hedville, KS

Solomon, KS

Salina, KS

New Cambria, KS

Culver, KS

Minneapolis, KS

Niles, KS

Wells, KS

Verdi, KS

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