Hair Follicle Drug Testing - New Sarpy, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now acknowledged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers in the fibers of the developing hair strand, offering a historical record of alcohol and drug use. When taken from near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to collect hair, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A sample length of 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 hair strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp, yields 100mg, which is the standard sample size for screening and confirmation. For testing EtG, extra panels, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. 'Head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair, while 'body hair' includes other types such as facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

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

During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory’s system. This process involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any data entry that isn't covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-efficient means to rule out drug use in most samples, any positive findings require confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positives from Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.

For samples that test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than with other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging technique to execute.

Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can point out drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection time frame.
• Difficult to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is quite challenging, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Shows historical usage: It can illustrate a drug usage pattern over time rather than recent usage alone.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect immediate use: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other testing techniques.
• Result variations: Elements such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in New Sarpy, LA

In the comparison between hair follicle and urine testing, hair tests stand out due to superior detection and reliability. Hair testing identifies drug use over an extended period, leading to a more complete review of an individual's drug history. This advantage makes it a preferred option over traditional urine tests in New Sarpy, LA.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in New Sarpy, LA

The extended window of detection provided by hair follicle testing ensures an extensive assessment of an individual’s drug history, covering up to 90 days. This substantial window allows employers in New Sarpy, LA, to gain a comprehensive view of their employees’ or candidates' substance use patterns.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in New Sarpy, LA

Hair follicle drug tests are a reliable means of reducing the risk of sample adulteration in New Sarpy, LA. This testing method delivers results that are tough to manipulate, thus providing authenticity and confidence in the outcomes for all stakeholders involved.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in New Sarpy, LA

Our nationwide network of testing centers, including those in New Sarpy, LA, ensures accessible, seamless services. Enjoy the convenience of quick and hassle-free hair follicle drug tests, designed to accommodate your schedule and meet your specific needs efficiently.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in New Sarpy, LA

The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results in New Sarpy, LA, is straightforward and confidential. This ensures privacy and ease of use, alleviating any concerns related to the confidentiality of the testing procedures and outcomes.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in New Sarpy, LA

In New Sarpy, LA, our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing and quick turnaround times. This delivers excellent value to companies of all sizes, combined with the peace of mind that comes from rapid and reliable results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in New Sarpy, LA

Utilizing hair follicle drug testing guarantees swift and precise results in New Sarpy, LA. This method boasts high accuracy by effectively detecting substance use over time. Its implementation aids in furnishing reliable results, thereby supporting businesses and institutions in maintaining safe environments.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in New Sarpy, LA

Employers in New Sarpy, LA, can maintain compliance with workplace drug-free policies through hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal risks and fortifies workplace safety, offering peace of mind by ensuring that the workforce adheres to company 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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