Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Cape St. Claire, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, providing a comprehensive, long-term record of drug usage. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) and closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, obtaining 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair pertain specifically to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be legally valid. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.

Should a sample test positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen for further preparation during the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.

To verify any positive Screening results, Confirmation is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The laboratory process from start to finish, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a more limited detection period.
• Hard to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely difficult, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Offers a usage timeline: It can exhibit a pattern of drug use over time, unlike tests focused on recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent use: It typically takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs compared to other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although frequently described as "hair follicle tests", this test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Cape St. Claire, MD, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in several aspects. Offering enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, hair tests provide a broader overview of an individual's substance history. The superior detection capabilities make them ideal for comprehensive drug evaluations, giving clearer insights compared to urine testing.

Extended Detection Window

With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Cape St. Claire, MD, offers an extensive view of substance use. This prolonged period allows employers to assess the long-term habits of potential hires or current staff. Such insight ensures an informed decision-making process regarding employment and workplace safety.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Cape St. Claire, MD, offer a significant advantage in their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike urine tests, which may be subject to adulteration, hair tests are virtually impervious to manipulation. This method provides security in results, delivering reliable outcomes that organizations can depend on with confidence.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient nationwide testing centers, including those in Cape St. Claire, MD. Our widespread locations ensure that accessing our services is a seamless experience. Whether locally or across the country, our network provides hassle-free appointments, catering to the varied needs of our clients efficiently.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Cape St. Claire, MD, we prioritize a straightforward and confidential process for our hair follicle testing services. Ordering, undergoing the test, and receiving results are designed to be user-friendly and private. Our commitment to simplicity and confidentiality addresses client concerns, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround in Cape St. Claire, MD, make hair follicle testing an economical choice. We deliver fast results without compromising quality, providing companies with excellent value. By offering both affordability and rapid service, we cater to businesses of varying sizes seeking reliable substance testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Cape St. Claire, MD, hair follicle drug tests stand out due to their speed and accuracy. These tests efficiently identify substance use with a high level of precision. Unlike other methods, they not only deliver rapid results but also present a reliable analysis of the test subject's drug history. Their dependable detection qualities make them a preferable choice for timely substance analysis.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Implementing hair follicle testing in Cape St. Claire, MD, provides employers with compliance and assurance. These tests help meet the requirements of drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal liabilities. In addition, this testing method enhances workplace safety, fostering a secure and compliant environment for both management and employees.

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Cape Saint Claire, MD

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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