Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Goldman, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair examination is now regarded as a formidable mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When procured near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to obtain, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to ship.

A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and validation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's best to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If head hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses all other forms of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial introduction of a sample into a lab's system, which entails validating that the sample was duly sealed and shipped, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening constitutes a rapid preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for the bulk of samples, a positive screen must be verified to be court-admissible. Samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening require further confirmation.

Should a sample suggest positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which underscores why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening results is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug analysis can identify drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection period.
• Hard to deceive: It is exceedingly challenging to deceive a hair drug test, hence enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: It can outline a drug usage pattern over time, rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair roughly 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is typically pricier than alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Variables like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing to conventional urine tests in Goldman, LA, the advantages become clear. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy over a longer period, making them a valuable tool for employers and authorities.

The reliability and accuracy of hair testing surpasses that of traditional urine tests. With hair testing, stakeholders are assured more comprehensive data regarding drug use.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Goldman, LA, provides a notably extended detection window, tracking drug use up to 90 days. This gives employers a thorough insight into an employee's substance history.

The lengthy detection period of hair testing means companies can make more informed decisions. This method ensures an all-encompassing view of applicants' and employees' past substance use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Goldman, LA, significantly curtails sample tampering risks. The integrity of the testing method ensures your results are reliable and indisputable.

Minimizing the chance of adulteration, hair testing delivers results you can trust. This tamper-resistant approach is ideal for maintaining accuracy and reducing deceitful practices.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations, even in Goldman, LA, making the process effortless. Our nationwide network ensures easy access to testing services.

With centers available locally and nationwide, getting tested is straightforward and hassle-free. This accessibility supports prompt and efficient testing experiences for all clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Goldman, LA, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering tests to obtaining results, every step safeguards privacy and ensures user-friendliness.

Clients appreciate our easy-to-navigate procedures and confidential handling of results. Your comfort and data privacy remain our top priority throughout the testing journey.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our testing services in Goldman, LA, promise affordable pricing and swift results. We provide competitive rates ensuring excellent value and peace of mind.

The quick turnaround for test results complements our cost-effective pricing structure, enabling organizations to focus on their core duties while enjoying the monetary advantages.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing make it an ideal choice in Goldman, LA. This methodology stands out due to its high accuracy in detecting various substances, providing trustworthy data for decision-makers.

Employers and legal authorities gain from hair testing's swift and accurate results. Detection capabilities cover a more extensive range of substances than merely relying on other testing forms.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Using hair follicle testing in Goldman, LA ensures employer compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method aids in reducing legal risks and boosting workplace safety.

The reliable results from hair testing contribute to a safer working environment. Employers gain peace of mind through adherence to stringent policies and reduced liabilities.

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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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