Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Varnado, LA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended historical record of substances like alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the hair fiber as it grows. When hair samples are obtained from near the scalp, they can offer a detection range of up to roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, reasonably resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment containing around 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the hair sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it pertains specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes any other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary steps involved in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This comprises ensuring that the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional information not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening serves as an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be substantiated for legal admissibility. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

If a sample is marked as presumptively positive in Screening, an additional portion of hair is extracted and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from the hair at a much lower concentration than in other methods (for example, urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to perform.

Positive screening results are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can uncover drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a less extended detection window.
• Difficulty to cheat: Cheating on a hair drug test is extremely tough, thus ensuring higher accuracy in results.
• Provides historical data: It can illustrate drug use trends over time rather than just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs take roughly 5-7 days to be visible in hair samples.
• Cost: Generally, hair drug tests are pricier compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Variability in results: Factors such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strands and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Varnado, LA, hair follicle testing is preferred over traditional urine tests due to its superior diagnostic capabilities. Unlike urine tests, which have a limited detection window, hair testing reveals prolonged drug use, allowing for extensive insight into substance habits. This method is acclaimed for its unmatched accuracy and reliability, making it a top choice for thorough drug screenings.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Varnado, LA benefit greatly from the extended detection window of hair follicle tests. These tests can unveil drug usage up to 90 days prior, offering a comprehensive overview of a candidate's or employee's substance use history. This insightful approach aids in making informed hiring decisions, ensuring a safe and compliant work environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Varnado, LA are exceptionally resistant to tampering, providing assured results. Due to the difficulty in altering hair samples compared to other methods such as urine testing, employers can rely on the authenticity of the data collected. This eliminates doubts about sample integrity and supports accurate drug testing outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With nationwide coverage, including Varnado, LA, Accredited Drug Testing’s numerous centers make obtaining a hair test simple and convenient. Accessible locations mean less hassle and more efficiency in managing testing needs. Both local and distant clients enjoy seamless access to our testing services, promoting ease and accessibility.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of hair follicle testing in Varnado, LA is marked by simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to testing and receiving results, the procedure is designed to safeguard personal data. Clients appreciate the unobtrusive system and the assurance of their privacy being protected at every step of the journey.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Varnado, LA, Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing and rapid turnaround for hair drug tests. These economical rates paired with swift delivery of results afford businesses great value, regardless of size. Competitive pricing and efficiency help companies maintain productivity and budget compliance, all while ensuring safety.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The speed and precision of hair follicle drug testing make it an ideal choice in Varnado, LA. This method not only delivers prompt results but ensures high accuracy in determining substance use. Employers value this technique for its efficiency in providing reliable data on an individual’s drug history. Hair testing stands out as a dependable tool in combating substance misuse.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle testing helps Varnado, LA employers maintain compliance with workplace drug policies. This method reduces legal risks and supports a commitment to a drug-free environment, ultimately leading to safer workplace conditions. Employers acquire peace of mind knowing they are upholding stringent safety and compliance 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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