Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bushong, KS

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair offers a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug usage over a span of up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests that exceed 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. When scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When referring to head hair, it specifies scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other types of hair (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for drug test processing comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into the lab’s system. This step includes confirming the sample was securely sealed and properly dispatched, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any data not submitted through an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary, expedited check for substance misuse. Although cost-effective for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screen needs validation to hold up in court. Any screenings with presumptive positives necessitate secondary confirmation.

If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is retaken from the original sample and processed for Extraction. In this step, substances are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is part of why hair drug testing is challenging.

Confirmation of positive screenings is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subjected to reviews under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can trace drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a more limited detection window.
• Hard to falsify: It's extremely challenging to deceive a hair drug test, resulting in more precise outcomes.
• Offers historical patterns: It provides a record of substance use over time, not just recent misuse.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Detection in hair takes roughly 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug testing typically costs more than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual hair growth patterns can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing in Bushong, KS to traditional urine tests, it's clear why hair testing stands out. Hair tests provide a superior detection window, are difficult to fool, and are conducted under observed conditions, ensuring authenticity. These advantages make hair follicle tests a preferred choice for those seeking dependable and thorough substance testing.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Bushong, KS benefit from the extensive detection window offered by hair follicle testing. With the capability to detect drug use for up to 90 days, this method offers a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history, making it an invaluable tool for making informed employment decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle test in Bushong, KS is a tamper-resistant method, significantly reducing the risk of adulteration. The observed collection process ensures the integrity of the sample, providing results that are both reliable and unquestionable, thus safeguarding the testing process from manipulation.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With a network of nationwide testing centers, including local facilities in Bushong, KS, our services offer unmatched convenience. Access to hair drug testing is both quick and hassle-free, providing a seamless experience for individuals and employers alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Bushong, KS, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are straightforward, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use. This process is tailored for those who value discretion and simplicity.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Bushong, KS, our hair follicle testing services are competitively priced with fast turnaround times, offering excellent value. Our approach ensures not only affordability but also peace of mind, catering to businesses of any size needing quick and dependable substance testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Bushong, KS offer unparalleled speed and precision. Renowned for their accuracy, these tests can detect substance use with high reliability. Whether you're an employer or an individual, this method ensures you receive fast and accurate results, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize effectiveness and timeliness.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Bushong, KS, utilizing hair follicle testing brings compliance and peace of mind. By adhering to drug-free workplace policies, businesses can minimize legal risks and foster a safer environment, ensuring both compliance and security are maintained.

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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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