Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Elm Grove, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now acknowledged as a highly effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of the growing hair shaft capture biomarkers, offering a prolonged history of these substances. When hair is taken near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug usage for up to roughly a 3-month span. The collection process is straightforward, the chances of tampering are minimal, and shipping is effortless.

A 1.5-inch clipping of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent portion of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair. "Body hair" covers all other forms, like facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

The key stages in lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab’s framework. This step involves confirming that the sample is correctly sealed and dispatched, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling out any missing data not included by an electronic chain of custody procedure.

Screening represents an initial swift evaluation for drug abuse. Though Screening offers a budget-friendly approach to eliminate drug usage in many samples, positive screens must be verified to be legally acceptable. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening mandate a follow-up confirmation.

If Screening suggests a presumptive positive result, additional hair from the primary specimen is taken for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at a substantially reduced concentration versus other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.

Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing prior to Confirmation if required. The whole laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the standards accredited to ISO / IEC 17025.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug consumption for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a more limited detection period.
• Hard to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is considerably difficult, resulting in more accurate outcomes.
• Offers historical information: It can show a usage pattern over time, not merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent consumption: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to be noticeable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Despite commonly being termed "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Elm Grove, LA Hair tests surpass traditional urine tests due to their superior detection accuracy. They provide a broader timeframe for detecting substance use, making them reliable for employers seeking comprehensive insights into substance history.

Compared to urine tests, hair follicle analyses deliver consistent results with minimal risk of tampering. Their ability to reveal patterns over months rather than days makes them a preferred choice for discerning evaluators.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Elm Grove, LA The ability of hair follicle testing to detect drug use over an extended window, up to 90 days, allows employers to gain a thorough overview of an individual's substance history. This long detection period provides a more inclusive view versus other methods.

This testing advantage is particularly beneficial for employers who wish to ensure a continuous adherence to workplace policies, providing insights that are far-reaching and detail-oriented.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Elm Grove, LA Hair follicle tests drastically diminish the possibility of adulteration, delivering results that are both reliable and secure. This method ensures an accurate reading with minimized opportunities for interference.

The inherent design of hair testing promotes integrity in the evaluation process, safeguarding against any attempt to alter outcomes and thus providing trustworthy results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Elm Grove, LA Our testing centers, spread nationwide, including locally in Elm Grove, provide a seamless and accessible testing experience. This convenience ensures quick, efficient service without the hassles often associated with testing.

The availability of numerous locations offers ease for employers and individuals seeking testing, underscoring Accredited Drug Testing's commitment to accessibility and efficiency in service delivery.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Elm Grove, LA The process for ordering, undertaking, and receiving results through hair follicle testing is both straightforward and confidentially sound. We prioritize privacy, ensuring a secure experience for all participants involved.

The simplicity of the procedure enhances user experience and satisfaction, as confidentiality is maintained at every stage, safeguarding personal data and test outcomes effectively.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Elm Grove, LA Our competitive pricing structures, coupled with swift turnaround times, lend added value to companies of various sizes. Balancing affordability with speed, we provide reliable results promptly.

Accredited Drug Testing's commitment encompasses both economic viability and rapid results, offering peace of mind through affordable and efficient testing services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Elm Grove, LA Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed in revealing substance use. The high detection accuracy of this method ensures that results are both quick and dependable, contributing to efficient decision-making processes.

Employers can trust in the reliability of hair testing, offering rapid turnaround times while maintaining the utmost precision. This method is known for delivering extensively verified results that support informed workplace decisions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Elm Grove, LA Utilizing hair follicle testing assists in meeting workplace drug-policy compliance, mitigating legal challenges and bolstering workplace safety. For employers, this translates to peace of mind and a safer work environment.

Implementing such testing policies illustrates a company's commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment, which is critical for safety-sensitive industries and roles.

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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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