Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Grenola, KS

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged history of these substances by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. Sampling hair near the scalp allows for a detection period of up to 3 months for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (diameter similar to a #2 pencil) taken close to the scalp produces 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. Measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale is recommended. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable amount of body hair may be obtained. "Head hair" specifies scalp hair only, while "body hair" denotes all other forms (beard, underarm, etc.).

Process Overview

The processing of a drug test in the lab involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial sample incorporation into the lab's system. It verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening includes an introductory assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening serves as an economical method to exclude drug consumption in most cases, confirmed results are necessary for legal proceedings. Samples that test positive in Screening must undergo an additional confirmation.

If the Screening phase indicates a presumptive positive, extra hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. This phase isolates drugs from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug tests particularly challenging to perform.

Positive Screening outcomes are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, complies with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can reveal drug usage up to 90 days prior, unlike urine tests which have lesser detection spans.
• Hard to manipulate: Hair drug tests are difficult to falsify, ensuring higher accuracy of results.
• Offers usage trends: It illustrates ongoing drug habits over time, not just recent activities.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent usage: Detection in hair takes 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair testing is generally more costly than alternative methods.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair dye and growth rates can influence drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Although sometimes called "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Testing Triumphs Over Urine Testing in Grenola, KS

• Hair follicle testing excels in detecting long-term drug use compared to traditional urine tests.
• The accuracy of hair tests is superior, offering reliable insights for employers in Grenola, KS.

The longer detection period of hair tests presents a comprehensive overview of substance use, where urine tests fall short.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Grenola, KS

• Hair follicle testing identifies drug use over an extended period, offering insights up to 90 days back.
• Employers in Grenola, KS gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history.

This longer detection time is invaluable for making informed employment decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Grenola, KS

• Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the chances of sample tampering, providing dependable results.
• In Grenola, KS, the approach ensures test results are accurate and unquestionable.

This method deters manipulation, securing the integrity of the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing in Grenola, KS

• Our nationwide testing centers make accessing hair follicle tests quick and easy.
• Local facilities in Grenola, KS provide hassle-free and prompt testing services.

Immediate availability ensures minimal disruption in your plans.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Grenola, KS

• The process for ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward and private.
• In Grenola, KS, we address privacy concerns efficiently, with a focus on ease of use.

Client confidentiality is upheld every step of the way.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Grenola, KS

• We offer competitive pricing and quick result times for hair follicle testing.
• In Grenola, KS, our services provide excellent value for diverse business needs.

Reliability comes paired with affordability, enhancing peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Accuracy and Speed in Grenola, KS

• Hair follicle testing provides fast and accurate results, minimizing the waiting time and offering reliable outcomes.
• In Grenola, KS, the precision of these tests is unmatched, ensuring accurate detection of substance use across varied cases.

Reliable results are delivered quickly, aiding swift decision-making processes for employers in Grenola, KS.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Grenola, KS

• Employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair testing.
• In Grenola, KS, these measures can reduce legal risks and enhance safety.

Hair testing ensures a secure and compliant workplace environment.

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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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