Hair Follicle Drug Testing - New Castle, KY

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. By obtaining hair near the scalp, an approximate 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs is achievable. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to alter, and convenient for shipping.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches of about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for screening and validation. For EtG, additional aliquots, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. We advocate using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four essential steps in the laboratory procedure for drug test analysis are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the initial processing of a sample within a laboratory's framework. It verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performs any extra data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening executes an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require additional confirmation.

If Screening suggests a presumptively positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most intricate method to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive Screening result is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug analysis can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection period.
• Challenging to deceive: It is exceedingly difficult to falsify a hair drug test, ensuring more accurate results.
• Yields historical information: It offers a timeline of drug use over an extended period, not just immediate consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent consumption: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug analyses typically incur higher costs compared to other testing methods.
• Variable results: Aspects like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In New Castle, KY, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine testing. This technique demonstrates superior detection capability and reliability, ensuring that substances are accurately identified. Hair testing enables the user to detect drug use over longer periods, providing a more thorough history than the standard urine methods.
Employers and professionals often choose hair tests for a greater level of confidence in their results.

Extended Detection Window

With an extended detection window, hair follicle testing in New Castle, KY provides a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history. Unlike other tests, hair analysis can track drug use for up to 90 days, granting employers a more complete profile of an applicant or employee's habits. This extended reach offers a broader understanding and informs better decision-making regarding substance use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in New Castle, KY stand out due to their tamper-resistant nature. The method significantly diminishes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable results every time. By substantially reducing the chances of manipulation, hair analysis provides indisputable information, maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
It's the go-to choice for those seeking assured authenticity.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Testing convenience is paramount, and in New Castle, KY, Accredited Drug Testing offers numerous centers nationwide. This accessibility guarantees that individuals can easily find locations that suit their schedules, ensuring quick, hassle-free testing services. Having nearby facilities means timely and efficient access to high-quality drug testing resources.

Simple, Confidential Process

In New Castle, KY, the process for ordering and receiving hair follicle test results is designed to be simple and confidential. This eases concerns surrounding privacy and ensures users a straightforward and secure experience. From start to finish, the streamlined system prioritizes user confidentiality alongside ease of use.
Comfort and security are guaranteed throughout the procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

The hair follicle testing services in New Castle, KY boast competitive pricing and swift turnaround times. This effective combination underscores the value available to companies of all sizes. Affordable costs paired with prompt results support businesses in upholding their standards without stretching their budgets. Quality and economy go hand in hand here.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug testing in New Castle, KY is unmatched. This method provides high accuracy in uncovering substance use, ensuring that the results are both fast and reliable. Speed and precision make this testing method a trusted choice for those looking to verify drug use with certainty.
Opting for hair follicle sampling means you can expect quick, accurate results that support informed decisions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in New Castle, KY value compliance with drug-free workplace policies, which is where hair follicle testing excels. This method helps to ensure adherence to regulations, reducing legal risks and enhancing overall workplace safety. By using hair analysis, organizations can foster a safer work environment and enjoy peace of mind knowing they adhere to industry standards.

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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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