Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Little Rock, KY

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair provides a prolonged history of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When cut near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If there is no scalp hair available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be obtained. Head hair refers solely to scalp hair, while body hair denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The procedure for processing a drug test result in a laboratory encompasses four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This process confirms that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any outstanding data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides a rapid preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to hold up in legal settings. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary verification.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is removed from the initial collection for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn out from hair at much lower concentrations than with other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes assessment under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a more limited detection window.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating on a hair drug test is extremely difficult, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Offers historical insights: It can reveal a pattern of drug consumption over time, not just recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although sometimes called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing outshines urine testing in Little Rock, KY, primarily due to its superior detection capabilities. It provides a much longer detection window, making it a more reliable choice for thorough drug history analysis. By offering greater accuracy, hair testing ensures that employers can make informed decisions.

Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing in Little Rock, KY reduces the chances of false negatives, reinforcing the trustworthiness of its outcomes. This reliability is crucial for maintaining a drug-free workplace.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Little Rock, KY ranges up to 90 days, granting an extensive view into an individual's substance use history. This attribute makes it invaluable for employers who need to understand patterns of behavior over time, beyond the reach of traditional methods.

Employers seeking a comprehensive evaluation of employee drug use in Little Rock, KY find the 90-day look-back period offered by hair follicle testing to be a decisive factor, delivering insights that aid in informed hiring and retention decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Little Rock, KY plays a crucial role in tamper-resistance. Unlike other methods, the likelihood of adulterating a hair sample is drastically minimized, ensuring results hold up under scrutiny. This assurance is vital for environments where accountability matters.

For individuals and organizations in Little Rock, KY seeking reliable drug testing, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests offers peace of mind by maintaining the integrity of the testing process and ensuring authenticity of results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

The convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide locations, including Little Rock, KY, ensures seamless access to essential services, allowing for prompt and hassle-free testing experiences. Local centers provide ease of access, accommodating various schedules and needs.

Individuals and employers in Little Rock, KY benefit from having local testing facilities, eliminating the need for extensive travel and ensuring that testing is conducted efficiently and conveniently.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our testing process in Little Rock, KY is straightforward and confidential, prioritizing privacy from ordering to receiving results. This user-friendly approach ensures participants are comfortable, knowing their information is safeguarded throughout the procedure.

In Little Rock, KY, both employers and individuals appreciate the simplicity and discretion of our testing services, with straightforward steps that facilitate easy compliance without compromising confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Little Rock, KY, our competitive pricing ensures that drug testing remains accessible without sacrificing quality. Customers appreciate the value we offer, especially with our fast turnaround that meets urgent needs without delays.

Businesses of all sizes in Little Rock, KY benefit from our affordable hair follicle testing, with quick results that provide excellent value. This affordability does not compromise the reliability or speed of the testing process.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug test is renowned for delivering fast and accurate results in Little Rock, KY. Unlike traditional testing methods, it boasts high precision, detecting even trace amounts of substances with reliability. This rapid turnaround bolsters its appeal for organizations seeking timely insights.

Employers in Little Rock, KY benefit from the efficiency of hair follicle testing, which not only offers speed but also enhances decision-making processes. The swift delivery of results ensures minimal disruption and aids in maintaining a safe work environment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing in Little Rock, KY assures employers of compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method enhances safety and mitigates legal risks, providing a secure environment for employees. Its adoption reflects a proactive approach to maintaining organizational integrity.

In Little Rock, KY, implementing hair follicle testing contributes to a safe and compliant workplace culture. It helps employers in reducing potential liabilities and ensures that policies are upheld consistently.

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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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