Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Frogmore, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide up to a 90-day detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.

A sample of hair measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), nearest to the scalp gives approximately 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample's weight using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair might be collected. When referencing head hair, we denote scalp hair only. Body hair refers to all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory process for a drug test result comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not present in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation to be permissible in court. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening need secondary confirmation.

Should a sample be presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is removed from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. At this stage, substances are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging method to execute.

The verification of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair assessment and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests that have a briefer detection window.
• Difficulty to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is highly challenging, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Offers historical insights: It can detail a history of drug use over a duration, not merely current consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent use: It takes around 5-7 days for substances to appear in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are usually costlier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation targets the hair shaft and not the follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing trumps urine testing in Frogmore, LA due to its superior accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are common, hair tests offer a longer detection period and are less prone to tampering. This makes hair testing a preferred choice for employers and legal entities.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Frogmore, LA is advantageous because it identifies drug use over a longer window, up to 90 days. This extended detection period provides employers with a comprehensive view of a candidate's substance use history, ensuring informed hiring decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Frogmore, LA are known for their tamper-resistant nature. By significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests deliver reliable results that stakeholders can trust without question.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With testing locations spread nationwide, including Frogmore, LA, Accredited Drug Testing offers convenience for clients. Quick, easy access to services makes the testing process hassle-free, supporting efficient operations for all.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Frogmore, LA, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, privacy is prioritized, ensuring a seamless experience for individuals concerned about their personal information.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our pricing in Frogmore, LA is competitive, offering excellent value for companies of various sizes. The quick turnaround time, paired with great pricing, ensures clients gain the benefits of fast and reliable testing.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Frogmore, LA, hair follicle drug testing provides fast and reliable outcomes. Its accuracy ensures effective detection of substances. Unlike traditional tests, it quickly identifies drug usage, delivering precise results that clients can depend on.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Frogmore, LA benefit from hair follicle drug testing as it supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Ensuring adherence to regulations reduces legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety and peace of mind.

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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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