Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Harlan, KS

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of substances like alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, a hair sample can reflect up to a 3-month history of drug and alcohol usage. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, it is fairly resistant to tampering, and it's convenient for shipping.

A sample size of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil width) nearest to the scalp, yields about 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG assessments, extra tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, it is advisable to use 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a similar volume of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types like facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

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

Accessioning is the preliminary step of introducing a sample into the laboratory system. This involves ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data entry not already covered by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.

Screening constitutes an initial rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. Although it economically rules out drug use in most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that indicate a positive in Screening must proceed to a secondary confirmation.

If screening results suggest a positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch for the Extraction stage. Drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug testing is the most challenging to execute.

Positive results from screening undergo Confirmation through techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples suggesting a positive are sanitized as needed. This entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection span: Hair drug screenings can disclose drug use dating back up to 90 days, while urine tests cover a shorter period.
• Challenging to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test proves quite difficult, leading to more credible outcomes.
• Historical data: It offers a timeline of drug use rather than merely capturing recent activity.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect immediate use: Approximately 5-7 days are required for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing typically incurs higher costs than other methods.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair samples.

Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the hair strand rather than the follicle located beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Harlan, KS, offers a distinct edge over more conventional urine tests. Renowned for its detection accuracy and reliability, it surpasses traditional methods, extending the possibility of discovering substance use over a longer timeframe and minimizing the chance of tampering, hence offering superior insights.

While traditional urine tests capture recent drug use efficiently, hair testing offers a broadened detection window. Employers in Harlan appreciate this feature, as it provides an extensive history of drug use, essential for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.

Extended Detection Window

In Harlan, KS, hair follicle testing is prized for its extended detection window, proficient in covering up to 90 days of substance history. This attribute offers employers a thorough evaluation of an applicant's or employee's substance habits, supporting informed employment decisions.

With its capacity to reveal long-term substance use, hair follicle testing provides a much-needed layer of insight. For employers in Harlan, access to this in-depth history aids significantly in maintaining a reliable and drug-free environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Harlan, KS, are designed to minimize the risk of sample adulteration. Their robust testing methodology ensures results are both reliable and unquestionable, thereby fostering trust and authenticity in the testing process.

Given their tamper-resistant nature, these tests are highly esteemed among employers aiming to uphold strict drug policies. The unwavering reliability they offer makes them a preferred choice, as they reduce potential manipulation in drug testing.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Harlan, KS, benefits from the convenience of Accredited Drug Testing’s nationwide centers, providing hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services. With many local and national locations, getting tested is quick and straightforward.

These readily accessible testing sites ensure minimal disruption and fast service. For businesses and individuals in Harlan, this accessibility is key, offering smooth and efficient testing without unnecessary travel or delays.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Harlan, KS, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to test-taking and result receipt, the process respects privacy and ensures ease of use, addressing commonly expressed privacy concerns effectively.

Clients appreciate the streamlined nature of our drug testing service, with each step crafted to ensure maximum confidentiality. This seamless approach enables clientele to engage with the process comfortably and securely.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

We pride ourselves on offering affordable pricing with fast turnaround times on hair follicle testing in Harlan, KS. Our competitive pricing structures, combined with quick result delivery, provide exceptional value and reassurance for businesses.

For companies of all sizes, the affordability and efficiency of our drug testing services emphasize both cost-effectiveness and swiftness, ensuring that businesses receive timely insights without financial strain.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Harlan, KS, deliver swift and accurate outcomes. Renowned for their precision, these tests excel in identifying substance use with high accuracy, ensuring employers get reliable information promptly. The process not only provides rapid insights but also enhances decision-making capabilities.

The testing procedure, streamlined to offer speedy results without compromising accuracy, stands as an exemplar of efficiency. Employers across Harlan can count on these tests to make informed decisions quickly, appreciating the blend of accuracy and speed in drug detection.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Harlan, KS, utilizing hair follicle testing underlines compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It mitigates legal risks while enhancing workplace safety, ensuring peace of mind through adherence to stringent drug use standards.

The strategic application of these tests bolsters both safety and legal standing, reassuring employers of their commitment to providing a secure environment and reducing liabilities associated with workplace drug use.

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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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