Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Benedict, MD

What it is, How it works

The utilization of hair testing has emerged as a formidable approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures an extended record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When sampled from near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month detection timeframe for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, it resists tampering, and is convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG enhancements, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair is permissible. In context of head hair, we are exclusively referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

The Accessioning phase involves recording the sample into the laboratory’s system. This step verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.

The Screening phase conducts an initial swift evaluation for substances. Although Screening is cost-efficient for eliminating drug presence in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Samples showing preliminary positive results in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

In instances of presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.

The Confirmation stage for any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as appropriate. The comprehensive laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection range: Hair drug tests detect drug use dating back up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter range.
• Resistance to manipulation: It is highly challenging to alter hair drug test results, enhancing their accuracy.
• Historical context: These tests can illustrate a pattern of drug use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent intake: Drugs become identifiable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is typically more costly compared to other testing methodologies.
• Result variability: Hair color and individual growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: While occasionally termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Benedict, MD presents significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Unlike urine tests, which have a limited detection window, hair tests provide a comprehensive detection period, assessing substance use over the last 90 days. This advantage makes them superior for ensuring a drug-free workplace. The accuracy and reliability of hair tests are unparalleled, offering peace of mind to both employers and clients.

Extended Detection Window

Located in Benedict, MD, our hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, making it a valuable tool for employers. By tracing substance use up to 90 days back, this method provides a thorough insight into an individual's drug history. Consequently, employers gain a more comprehensive view of an applicant's or employee's past, aiding in making better hiring or disciplinary decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Benedict, MD, hair follicle tests are celebrated for being a tamper-resistant testing method. The risk of sample adulteration is significantly reduced as hair samples cannot be substituted or easily manipulated compared to other testing methods. This reliability ensures trust in the results, providing unquestionable evidence of drug use over an extended period.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient nationwide testing locations, including centers in Benedict, MD. With a robust network spanning across the country, individuals can avail themselves of quick, easy, and hassle-free access to our testing services. Clients benefit from our local presence, facilitating a faster and more efficient testing process without the need for long-distance travel.

Simple, Confidential Process

The simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing in Benedict, MD ensures client privacy from ordering to results delivery. The discreet collection process and secure reporting guarantee confidentiality and customer comfort. The easy-to-follow procedures make it a user-friendly experience for those seeking reliable drug testing.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our hair follicle drug testing in Benedict, MD, is known for its affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. We pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing structures that cater to companies of varied sizes. Swift result delivery ensures excellent value and peace of mind, making this a cost-effective choice for comprehensive drug testing needs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug testing process in Benedict, MD, is renowned for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. By opting for this method, you ensure precise detection of substance use without the usual wait times associated with other testing methods. Quick results mean employers can make faster and more informed decisions about potential or current employees.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Benedict, MD, hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind. By adhering to drug-free workplace policies with this testing method, businesses can reduce legal risks and improve safety. Employers are assured of accurate and dependable results, boosting confidence in maintaining a safe and compliant working environment.

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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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