Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Greencastle, KY

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When trimmed close to the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection timeframe for both alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional panels, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is advised. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable amount of body hair might be used. When referring to head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning involves the initial sample processing within the lab's framework. It ensures that the sample was appropriately sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While it serves as an economical means to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation to be valid in court. Samples that appear positive will necessitate further confirmation.

For samples that potentially test positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the main sample and readied for Extraction. This phase entails extracting drugs from the hair at a considerably lesser concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening particularly challenging.

The verification of any positive result in Screening is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumed positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning through Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a briefer detection period.
• High difficulty to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is exceedingly difficult, thereby enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insights: Provides a historical pattern of drug usage rather than just recent consumption.

Disadvantages:

• Unable to detect recent use: It typically takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur greater costs compared to alternative drug testing methods.
• Result disparities: Variances such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Choose Hair Follicle Testing? In Greencastle, KY, hair testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair tests detect substances with greater accuracy and cover an extended period, providing a comprehensive look into one's substance use history.

Unlike urine tests, which detect recent drug use, hair testing can reveal patterns over time—making it superior for employers concerned about long-term drug use.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window makes hair follicle testing a standout choice in Greencastle, KY. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis offers a longer detection period of up to 90 days. This prolonged window provides employers with a fuller picture of an individual’s substance history, aiding in more accurate assessments.

With a more comprehensive view into past behaviors, employers can make informed decisions concerning hiring or monitoring of employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Greencastle, KY, means increased reliability in drug testing results. Hair follicle tests are inherently more difficult to adulterate compared to other testing methods. The collection process is observed, reducing the risk of manipulation.

Providing unquestionable results, hair testing ensures that the outcomes reflect true substance use patterns, enhancing the test's integrity.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Testing Locations in Greencastle, KY, and nationwide mean easy access to drug testing services. With multiple locations, Accredited Drug Testing offers quick, easy, and hassle-free solutions for both employees and employers seeking reliable test results.

Our extensive network ensures you can find a local center whenever needed, streamlining the entire testing process.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple and Confidential Process in Greencastle, KY, ensures ease and privacy in drug testing. From ordering your hair follicle test to receiving the results, each step is designed to be straightforward and protect user confidentiality.

The importance of maintaining privacy and simplicity is paramount, providing peace of mind for those undergoing testing while delivering accurate results efficiently.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround are key features in Greencastle, KY. Our competitive pricing structure combined with swift processing times offers excellent value, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to access cost-effective drug testing solutions.

With a focus on speed and cost-efficiency, you can trust our services to deliver reliable results promptly, enhancing your operational efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast and Precise Results are paramount for those in Greencastle, KY, seeking reliable drug testing. Hair follicle testing provides both speed and accuracy in detecting drug use. This test not only catches a wide range of substances but does so with remarkable precision, eliminating doubts regarding the test outcomes.

Employers and individuals benefit from hassle-free testing that ensures results are timely and trustworthy, facilitating informed decision-making.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind are critical for Greencastle, KY, employers. Implementing hair follicle testing helps ensure workplace compliance with drug-free policies, reduces legal risks, and enhances overall safety. Employers gain confidence knowing they are taking active steps to maintain a safe working environment.

Using hair testing promotes not only regulatory compliance but also nurtures a healthier, more professional workplace atmosphere.

Drug Testing Near Greencastle, KY

Lindseyville, KY

Sycamore, KY

Aberdeen, KY

Bowling Green, KY

Plum Springs, KY

Morgantown, KY

Sunfish, KY

Gasper River, KY

Brooklyn, KY

Woodbury, KY

Jetson, KY

Richardsville, KY

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