Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Discovery, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as a robust method for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. Hair acts as a historical record of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When sampled close to the scalp, it can offer detection of alcohol and drugs for up to a 3-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.

A 1.5-inch piece consisting of about 200 hairs (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) near to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equal amount of body hair is a suitable alternative. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning pertains to the initial stage of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process confirms that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional information not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is an initial generic check for drugs of abuse. As a cost-effective method, Screening can exclude drug usage for most samples, but a confirmed positive screen is required for admissibility in court. Presumptive positives in Screening demand secondary confirmation.

In the event of a presumptively positive sample in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. During this phase, drug elements are extracted from hair at concentrations less than other test methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening poses significant challenges in execution.

A positive Screening result is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumed positive samples undergo a washing process prior to confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is evaluated based on both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection duration: Hair drug tests identify drug use for up to 90 days, while urine tests offer a shorter detection timeframe.
• Cheating prevention: Hair drug tests are extremely difficult to manipulate, leading to more accurate results.
• Supplies historical insights: Hair testing reveals patterns of drug use over time, not just recent happenings.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: It generally takes around 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair follicles.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be pricier compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Variables such as hair color and personal hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Often dubbed as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Discovery, MD

Hair follicle testing excels over traditional urine tests by offering superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis can trace drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive overview of substance history. Its detection capabilities and tamper-resistant nature make it a more dependable option for many institutions.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Discovery, MD

The extensive detection window of hair follicle testing sets it apart from other methods. This approach captures drug use spanning up to 90 days, offering a thorough insight into an individual's substance history. Employers benefit from this in-depth perspective, crucial for assessing long-term patterns rather than immediate past use, thus enhancing decision-making in hiring or continued employment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Discovery, MD

One of the standout features of hair follicle tests is their resistance to tampering. Unlike urine samples that can be adulterated, hair testing methods safeguard sample integrity, delivering reliable and trustworthy outcomes. This consistency ensures that results are credible, minimizing the risk of false negatives or erroneously cleared tests, bolstering confidence in the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Discovery, MD

Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers ensures that hair follicle testing services are readily available, including local facilities in Discovery, MD. This accessibility provides a hassle-free experience for clients, simplifying the process of getting tested. Quick and easy access to reliable testing services guarantees that individuals and organizations can proceed with minimal inconvenience.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Discovery, MD

The process for hair follicle testing is designed to be straightforward and private. From ordering a test to receiving the results, every step prioritizes discretion and ease of use. This approach addresses concerns about privacy, ensuring participants have a stress-free experience, reinforced by confidential handling throughout the testing procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Discovery, MD

We offer competitive pricing structures paired with rapid turnaround times, delivering substantial value to businesses of any size. Our efficient processes ensure that results are delivered promptly without compromising quality. Clients can enjoy peace of mind through fair pricing and timely outcomes, making hair follicle testing a cost-effective solution for their needs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast and Accurate Testing in Discovery, MD

Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed, delivering exceptional accuracy in substance detection. These tests are not only reliable but also provide results in a timely manner, ensuring employers and individuals can make informed decisions swiftly. The capability to identify a wide range of substances with high accuracy makes hair testing a top choice for many.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Discovery, MD

Implementing hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free workplace policies, enhancing compliance and reducing legal exposure. Employers gain peace of mind knowing that this method contributes to a safer work environment, mitigating substance-related risks. By choosing hair tests, employers can uphold stringent safety standards while fostering a drug-free workplace culture.

Drug Testing Near Discovery, MD

St. George Island, MD

Broomes Island, MD

Piney Point, MD

Lusby, MD

Leonardtown, MD

Tall Timbers, MD

Hollywood, MD

Spring Ridge, MD

Drum Point, MD

Chesapeake Ranch Estates-Drum Point, MD

Chesapeake Ranch Estates, MD

Solomons, MD

California, MD

Jonestown, MD

Lexington Park, 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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