Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Blackford, KY

What it is, How it works

Considered a robust method, hair testing plays a crucial role in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands of hair capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering a historical record of usage extending over time. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can reveal drug and alcohol use over a period of up to three months. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the perfect sample for both preliminary and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional analyses, and tests above 10 panels, it's advisable to use 150mg of the sample. It's suggested to weigh the hair sample on a jeweler’s scale for accuracy. In instances where scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory process of handling a drug test result consists of four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the initial incorporation of the sample into the laboratory system, involving confirmation of the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, allocation of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfillment of any missing data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening involves conducting a preliminary review for potential drugs of concern. While Screening is an economical method to rule out drug presence in most samples, a positive indication needs a Confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples indicated as positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

In cases of indicative positives during Screening, extra hair is extracted from the initial collection for the Extraction stage. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations considerably lower than those in other sampling methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the higher complexity of performing hair drug testing compared to other methods.

Drug presence confirmation from any positive screen is undertaken using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples confirming positive results undergo a thorough wash before final confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug tests offer a detection period of up to 90 days, more extensive than urine tests which offer shorter timeframes.
• Resistance to tampering: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Provision of historical data: It offers insights into drug usage patterns over time rather than solely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapability of detecting immediate use: Drugs become traceable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Factors including hair color and individual growth differences can affect the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests”, the test evaluates the hair strand itself rather than the follicle located under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Blackford, KY

• Hair tests provide a more comprehensive overview of drug use behaviors, surpassing the limitations of urine tests.
• The long detection window of up to 90 days offers a stronger measure of habitual substance use.

Advanced Detection Accuracy

• Employers and legal entities count on the superior detection capabilities of hair testing over traditional methods.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Blackford, KY

• Hair follicle testing provides insights into long-term drug use, with detection windows extending up to 90 days.
• This comprehensive method helps employers assess a more complete substance history of candidates.

A Detailed Substance History

• The extended detection periods offer a lens into past usage, aiding in better-informed hiring decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Blackford, KY

• Hair follicle tests dramatically lower the risks of sample tampering, ensuring results are trustworthy.
• This method's integrity is vital for maintaining unwavering reliability in testing results.

Uncompromised Testing Security

• The robust nature of hair samples guarantees they remain unaltered, providing consistent outcomes free from adulteration.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Blackford, KY

• Our widespread network allows for easy and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services.
• Whether in Blackford or nationally, testing is within reach for all clients.

Seamless and Accessible Testing

• Accessibility from any location ensures that testing needs are met promptly.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Blackford, KY

• Ordering and undertaking hair follicle tests is straightforward and respects client confidentiality.
• The process upholds privacy, alleviating concerns over sensitive information handling.

Effortless and Private

• The user-friendly process ensures minimal inconvenience while safeguarding user information.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Blackford, KY

• Competitive pricing structures combined with rapid result delivery offer excellent value.
• Employers of all sizes can benefit from economical and timely drug testing services.

Cost-effective Solutions

• The swift turnaround on test results helps businesses make informed decisions promptly.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Blackford, KY

• Hair follicle tests deliver precise results quickly, ensuring confidence in testing outcomes.
• The accuracy in detecting recent substance use is unparalleled, making them a top choice for employers and legal entities.

Unmatched precision with Hair Follicle Testing

• Hair testing stands out for its ability to detect even trace amounts of substances, providing reliable results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Blackford, KY

• Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
• It mitigates legal risks and promotes a secure and responsible working environment.

Workplace Safety and Legal Compliance

• Employers gain peace of mind knowing their testing methods meet the highest standards of legality and accuracy.

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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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