Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Galva, KS

What it is, How it works

Hair examination has evolved into an impressive method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. Hair, when taken near the scalp, can provide up to approximately a 90-day detection period for both alcohol and other substances. It is easy to gather, somewhat hard to tamper with, and simple to send.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or assessments above 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is advised to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable amount of body hair might be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers only to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Summary

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

Accessioning comprises the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening encompasses a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage on the majority of samples, a positive screen must be validated to be permissible in court. Any samples that yield presumptive positives in Screening require further confirmation.

Should a sample yield a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are obtained from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening represents the most challenging procedure to conduct.

Any confirmed positive screening result is finalized using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive laboratory cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection period: Hair drug assessments can trace drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection span.
• Challenging to deceive: It is very challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, resulting in more precise outcomes.
• Delivers historical information: It can reveal a trend of drug usage over time, not merely recent consumption.

Drawbacks:

• Inability to detect recent use: It typically takes 5-7 days before drugs are traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug examinations generally incur higher costs than other drug testing techniques.
• Outcome variations: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug residues in the hair.

Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why does hair follicle testing outshine urine testing in Galva, KS? The answer lies in the superior detection accuracy and reliability of hair testing. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests are less susceptible to tampering and provide a broader detection window.

In Galva, KS, hair follicle testing proves to be the more effective choice due to its ability to detect a wider range of substances over a longer period than urine testing can manage.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Galva, KS, offers a crucial advantage by identifying drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This test provides employers with a comprehensive understanding of a subject's substance use history, which is vital during the hiring process.

The ability to review up to three months of drug use makes hair follicle testing in Galva, KS, an invaluable tool in the screening arsenal, providing clarity on an applicant's long-term drug abstinence or use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Galva, KS benefits significantly from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing. By reducing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests deliver results that are both reliable and uncontestable, assuring organizations of their authenticity.

Hair follicle tests offer a much more secure alternative in Galva, KS, minimizing deceit in substance testing and bolstering trust with virtually tamper-proof methods.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Galva, KS, we provide convenient access to hair follicle testing with our wide array of nationwide testing centers. This ease of access ensures quick, hassle-free service no matter the location, simplifying the testing process.

With testing facilities available across Galva, KS and beyond, individuals and companies can conveniently schedule tests, eliminating logistical challenges often associated with screening procedures.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of conducting hair follicle testing in Galva, KS, is designed to be simple and confidential. Our procedures ensure privacy is maintained from order to result, addressing any concerns over exposure.

Galva, KS residents experience a seamless process: from testing orders to receiving confidential results, the ease of use and privacy assurance make hair follicle testing an ideal choice.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Galva, KS sees the benefit of affordable pricing and expedited results with hair follicle testing. Our competitive pricing structure combines value with speed, ensuring businesses get timely results without breaking the bank.

Fast turnaround times coupled with affordable rates make our hair follicle tests in Galva, KS a valuable resource, providing companies with efficient solutions to manage substance testing.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched in Galva, KS. With their high accuracy, these tests efficiently detect substance use with commendable reliability. Faster turnaround times ensure you get results promptly, assisting in quick decision-making processes.

Modern technology ensures hair follicle tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable detection of drug usage. This efficiency is a valuable asset, particularly for employers keen on maintaining a drug-free workplace.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Implementing hair follicle testing in Galva, KS, businesses ensures compliance with drug-free work policies. This leads to reduced legal risks and promotes a safer working environment, giving employers peace of mind and affirming their commitment to safety.

Galva, KS employers find peace of mind knowing that hair follicle testing aligns with compliance standards, reducing company liabilities and enforcing a secure, drug-free workplace.

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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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