Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Cherry Hill, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers a comprehensive historical record of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When collected close to the scalp, a hair sample can provide nearly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Collection of hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient to ship.

A 1.5-inch sample comprising approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, the same quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair refers to all other types, including facial and axillary.

Process Overview

The four primary stages in the laboratory processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step where a sample enters the laboratory’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and filling in any additional necessary data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. Screening offers a cost-effective method to rule out drug presence for most samples; however, to be court-admissible, a positive screen must undergo confirmation. Any samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.

When a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for further processing in the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than found in other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), posing unique challenges in hair drug screening.

Confirmation of any positive Screening results is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Any presumptive positive samples are subjected to washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for a period of up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection window.
• Hard to falsify: The difficulty in falsifying a hair drug test results in more reliable outcomes.
• Historical usage data: It offers an overview of drug use patterns over time, rather than only recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent consumption: It generally takes 5-7 days for substances to be traceable in hair samples.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other testing methods.
• Variability in results: Factors like hair color and personal variations in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the actual examination is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cherry Hill, MD
In Cherry Hill, MD, the advantages of hair testing over urine tests are evident. Unlike traditional urine methods, hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy, uncovering substances used over months rather than days. This broader detection window provides a comprehensive insight into an individual’s drug habits.

Employers and agencies prefer hair testing for its reliability. Hair tests significantly minimize tampering risks, offering results that reflect true usage patterns. In contrast, urine tests, limited by shorter detection periods, often miss historical substance use, underscoring hair tests' superior efficacy.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Cherry Hill, MD
With hair follicle testing in Cherry Hill, MD, the detection window extends up to 90 days, providing an in-depth view of drug habits. This comprehensive span surpasses traditional methods, offering employers valuable insights into an individual's long-term substance use history.

The extended detection capability makes hair testing particularly advantageous for organizations seeking a robust understanding of an individual's drug history. By covering a broader period, this method enables informed decisions that enhance workplace safety and policy compliance.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cherry Hill, MD
Hair follicle testing in Cherry Hill, MD is a tamper-resistant solution, significantly reducing sample adulteration risks. Offering reliable and unquestionable results, this method ensures that the integrity of the testing process is strictly maintained.

The robustness of hair testing deters attempts to alter outcomes. Its resilience against common manipulation techniques instills confidence in the results' authenticity, making it a preferred choice for strict testing environments.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cherry Hill, MD
Accredited Drug Testing ensures ease of access to testing services with its extensive network of centers. In Cherry Hill, MD, our nationwide and local locations provide convenient, hassle-free testing for individuals and businesses alike.

The widespread availability of testing centers simplifies the process for those requiring drug tests. With numerous locations, scheduling and accessing services are stress-free, accommodating the needs of clients across various regions.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Cherry Hill, MD
Our process in Cherry Hill, MD is straightforward and respects confidentiality. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is easy, addressing privacy concerns and guaranteeing a seamless experience for all participants.

Clients appreciate the simplicity of the hair testing procedure, which is designed to protect their personal information. This streamlined approach ensures participants receive their results discreetly and efficiently, supporting secure and confidential handling of sensitive data.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cherry Hill, MD
Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing and swift turnaround in Cherry Hill, MD. We offer excellent value and quick results, benefitting companies of any size with cost-effectiveness and dependable service.

Fast processing times paired with budget-friendly rates highlight our commitment to quality service. Organizations seeking efficient and economical drug testing solutions can rely on our expertise to meet their needs within a reasonable timeframe and cost structure.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cherry Hill, MD
Hair follicle drug tests excel with unparalleled speed and precision. In Cherry Hill, MD, these tests deliver high-accuracy results, detecting substance use efficiently. The method's emphasis on accurate detection, combined with rapid processing times, ensures that individuals and businesses receive dependable results they can trust.

The efficiency of hair testing stands out as a key benefit. From sample collection to analysis, the process is streamlined. This not only minimizes wait times but also bolsters confidence in obtaining accurate, reliable findings promptly. Hair follicle testing is the epitome of fast, dependable drug testing solutions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cherry Hill, MD
Employers in Cherry Hill, MD gain peace of mind and assured compliance with drug-free policies through hair follicle testing. This method effectively reduces legal risks and strengthens workplace safety measures, prioritizing a secure work environment.

Hair testing supports adherence to compliance standards, offering a reliable way to maintain a drug-free workplace. By choosing this testing route, employers align with regulations effortlessly, fostering a safe and legally sound organizational culture.

Drug Testing Near Cherry Hill, MD

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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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