Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bonner Springs, KS

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs as biomarkers are encased in the strands of hair as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer around a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and easy to ship.

An ideal sample for testing and verification consists of a 1.5-inch cluster of roughly 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advised to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. Reference to head hair implies only scalp hair, while body hair refers to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four major steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into a lab’s system. This process ensures the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples that are potentially positive in Screening require further confirmation.

If Screening yields a presumptive positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This stage extracts drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), showcasing hair drug screening as a particularly challenging methodology.

Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated 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 identify drug usage up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests with shorter windows.
• Hard to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is notably difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical usage insights: It illustrates a trend in drug use over time, beyond just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Lacks recent detection: Drugs become detectable in hair only after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug testing typically incurs higher costs than alternative methods.
• Result variances: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth can influence the levels of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Bonner Springs, KS, the advantages become evident. Hair testing is superior due to its extended detection window and greater accuracy in identifying substances. This method is less vulnerable to tampering, making it a reliable choice for those seeking thorough drug use assessments.

Hair testing's non-invasive collection process and its ability to reveal a longer history of drug use makes it ideal for employers wishing to maintain a drug-free workplace. It overcomes the limitations of urine tests, which are often limited to detecting recent usage, and provides a more extensive overview of an individual's substance habits.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle tests in Bonner Springs, KS, stand out for their ability to detect drug use over a prolonged period—up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of a candidate or employee's substance history. The long detection period provides valuable insights into an individual's behavioral patterns.

Employers benefit from this extended detection period by being able to assess more than just recent drug use, offering a clearer picture of an applicant's history. This capability makes hair testing a preferred method for those needing thorough background checks that reflect long-term behaviors rather than short-term lapses.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Bonner Springs, KS, hair follicle testing serves as a tamper-resistant method for detecting drug use. The difficulty of adulterating or substituting hair samples means that the results are trustworthy and credible. Hair tests provide definitive results and help to eliminate doubts about the authenticity of the sample provided.

Besides being nearly impossible to cheat, hair follicle tests involve a precise collection process. This accuracy in sample collection and testing ensures the results are based on verified and unaltered samples. Such dependability is crucial for legal cases, workplace assessments, and more.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With testing centers nationwide and local facilities in Bonner Springs, KS, Accredited Drug Testing offers unmatched convenience. Accessing testing services is simple and hassle-free, providing clients with easy and prompt availability regardless of location. This widespread presence ensures that our clients can receive necessary tests without delay.

Local facilities eliminate the inconvenience typically associated with traveling long distances for testing, thus streamlining the process for residents and businesses in Bonner Springs. Having local solutions means faster access to services, contributing to a smoother overall experience.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our testing process in Bonner Springs, KS, is designed to be simple and confidential from start to finish. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are all done with a focus on privacy. An efficient and discreet process addresses concerns about confidentiality while ensuring ease of use.

Privacy in drug testing is essential, and our method ensures that all steps—from registration to reporting—are handled with the utmost discretion. This attention to confidentiality assures clients that their personal information and results are secure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Bonner Springs, KS, Accredited Drug Testing ensures competitive pricing along with fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Offering excellent value, our rates are structured to be budget-friendly, making them accessible to businesses of all sizes. Fast results mean that clients receive timely insights without excessive waiting.

Our affordable pricing model ensures that maintaining a safe and drug-free environment doesn't come at a prohibitive cost. Coupled with our quick service delivery, we guarantee that employers receive effective drug testing solutions at a reasonable expense.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Bonner Springs, KS, offer fast results without sacrificing accuracy. These tests are designed to swiftly and precisely identify the use of substances, ensuring that results are both timely and reliable. The accuracy in detection is an integral part of the testing process, making it a preferred method among those seeking detailed insights.

With the capability to deliver results efficiently, hair follicle testing ensures that individuals and employers receive timely updates. This quick turnaround is crucial in various scenarios, such as job applications or legal requirements. The precise nature of the results consistently reinforces the trust in hair testing over other methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Bonner Springs, KS, who adopt hair follicle testing benefit from increased compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method enhances safety and reduces legal risks. By utilizing hair testing, companies can demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment.

This method of testing not only safeguards the company but also reassures employees that a fair and consistent drug testing procedure is in place. Such assurance helps to foster a productive and secure workplace, minimizing incidents related to substance misuse.

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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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