Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Redfield, KS

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a robust instrument for identifying drug and alcohol use. The fibers of growing hair trap biomarkers, offering a long-term record of alcohol and other substances. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to about 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch section consisting of approximately 200 hairs (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG or additional tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be obtained. Head hair specifically implies scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result is divided into four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab’s system. This step confirms that the sample was properly sealed and transported, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any supplementary data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody process is completed.

Screening is a preliminary, swift examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples testing presumptively positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.

If Screening indicates a sample is presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging to perform.

Confirmation of positive screening results is accomplished via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation, as required. The whole laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a briefer detection period.
• Difficult to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is highly challenging, thus increasing result accuracy.
• Reveals usage trends: It can showcase a pattern of drug consumption over time, not merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is typically pricier than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Aspects such as hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

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

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Redfield, KS, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests identify drug use over an extended period, making it difficult to falsify results. The improved precision of hair testing methods provides a clearer picture of an individual's substance use history compared to conventional urine testing.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Redfield, KS enables detection of drug use for up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers to thoroughly assess the substance history of potential and current employees, offering a comprehensive overview that is unattainable with shorter detection methods like urine tests.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests are a tamper-resistant method in Redfield, KS, significantly lowering the chance of sample adulteration. This results in highly reliable outcomes that carry minimal risk of being compromised, unlike other drug testing methods that might be susceptible to tampering.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient locations nationwide, including accessible centers in Redfield, KS. The ease of reaching testing centers ensures a quick and hassle-free approach to undergoing necessary tests, providing users with accessibility and convenience in their testing needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Redfield, KS, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, individuals are assured of privacy and simplicity. This user-friendly process enhances comfort and confidence, ensuring all necessary precautions are taken to protect personal information.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, Redfield, KS provides excellent value in hair follicle testing. Companies of all sizes benefit from affordable options, ensuring peace of mind and cost-effectiveness while addressing their drug testing requirements efficiently.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Redfield, KS offers reliable hair follicle drug tests renowned for their precision in detecting substance use. These tests deliver fast results, ensuring individuals and employers receive timely and accurate information. With advanced testing methods, users can trust the high accuracy of detecting even minute traces of drugs or alcohol.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Redfield, KS can enjoy compliance and peace of mind by implementing hair follicle testing. This method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and bolstering workplace safety. Organizations benefit from a secure testing process that promotes a healthy work environment.

Drug Testing Near Redfield, KS

Savonburg, KS

Farlington, KS

Elsmore, KS

Hepler, KS

Xenia, KS

Peru, KS

Mapleton, KS

Hammond, KS

Harding, KS

Bronson, KS

Pawnee Station, KS

Fort Scott, KS

Hiattville, KS

Devon, KS

Uniontown, KS

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews