Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Carrollton Manor, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the developing strand, offering an extended history of substance intake. When sourced near the scalp, hair can present up to a roughly 3-month detection timeframe for both alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) from the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmatory purposes. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair can't be obtained, the equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The fundamental stages involved in the lab processing of a drug test outcome comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory system. This involves verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for legality in court. All samples showing a presumptively positive result in Screening need subsequent confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation in Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is notably challenging to perform.

Confirmation of any positive Screening results is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug testing can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a more limited detection period.
• Low chances of falsification: It is extremely challenging to falsify a hair drug test, enhancing the precision of the results.
• Offers historical insight: It can indicate a pattern of drug use over time, rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs typically need 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Variables such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle tests undeniably outrank urine tests in Carrollton Manor, MD due to their impressive detection capabilities. They offer superior accuracy, reliably identifying drug use over an extended period which urine tests fail to match. This method stands as a more comprehensive approach, effectively enhancing the overall reliability of drug screening procedures within various settings.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle tests surpass other methods by offering a 90-day detection window, providing a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance use history in Carrollton Manor, MD. This extended period allows employers an insightful look into potential employees’ habits, ensuring a well-informed hiring decision. These tests grant the advantage of accessing a holistic perspective on past drug usage.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests are renowned in Carrollton Manor, MD for their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other methods susceptible to manipulation, this testing significantly mitigates the risk of adulteration, thereby delivering unquestionable and credible results. Employers and agencies can trust these outcomes, as the integrity of the sample ensures an authentic portrayal of substance use behavior.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide footprint, individuals in Carrollton Manor, MD enjoy simple and accessible testing services. Locations are strategically placed for convenience, ensuring swift and hassle-free processes. Quick access is not only a major benefit but also heightens the overall efficiency of the testing services we offer nationwide.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Carrollton Manor, MD, the process for ordering and undertaking hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. We provide a seamless user experience, ensuring privacy from appointment setting to results acquisition. Clients have peace of mind knowing their personal data and test outcomes remain secure throughout each step.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Providing competitive pricing, Accredited Drug Testing in Carrollton Manor, MD emphasizes affordability without sacrificing quality. The fast turnaround on results further ensures value for money, accommodating the budgetary needs of small businesses to larger enterprises, making hair follicle testing a practical option for various organizational structures.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Carrollton Manor, MD, hair follicle drug tests are known for their speed and accuracy, offering precise detection of past drug use. These tests deliver fast and reliable results, becoming the preferred choice for those who prioritize thorough screening. The high level of precision ensures confidence in the outcome, providing a swift and dependable solution in substance abuse detection.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employing hair follicle testing in Carrollton Manor, MD assure employers compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It minimizes legal risks and strengthens workplace security, thereby fostering a safe and regulated environment. This testing method not only enhances compliance but also provides peace of mind to employers looking to uphold disciplinary measures.

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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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