Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Fairland, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. Collected from the scalp, hair provides a detection timeline of up to about 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch piece of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the ideal quantity for analysis and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar amount of body hair can be obtained. Here, scalp hair is termed as head hair only, while body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The core stages in the laboratory process of generating a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s framework. This phase ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipment, the assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and the completion of any further data entry unaddressed by an electronic chain of custody network.

Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs. While a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug consumption in most cases, a confirmed positive screen is required for court acceptance. Samples with presumed positive results in Screening mandate a subsequent confirmation.

If a specimen indicates a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are obtained from hair in a much lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.

Positive screening confirmations are conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumed positive specimens are washed prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire lab cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair tests identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection span.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair test is extremely difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Chronic data review: It reveals drug consumption patterns over time, beyond recent usage.

Limitations:

• Lacks detection of recent use: It takes about 5-7 days for substances to show in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is costlier than other testing routes.
• Result fluctuations: Variables like hair color and personal hair growth differences can impact drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually evaluates the strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When it comes to superior drug testing methods in Fairland, MD, hair follicle testing shines above traditional urine tests. Hair tests provide a more accurate detection of substances over an extended period, often up to 90 days. This comprehensive approach ensures that drug use patterns are clearly identifiable, helping employers maintain a drug-free environment. Unlike urine tests, which can be limited by short detection windows, hair tests deliver reliable long-term substance use data.

Extended Detection Window

In Fairland, MD, the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing makes it an invaluable tool for employers seeking a thorough look into an individual's drug use history. By capturing substance use up to 90 days prior, these tests offer a detailed and continuous record of an applicant's or employee's behaviors. This broad timeframe helps in assessing if the individual has consistently adhered to workplace policies and standards.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The integrity and reliability of hair follicle testing in Fairland, MD, are unmatched due to its tamper-resistant nature. These tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration, providing trustworthy and clear results. Unlike other drug tests, hair samples are difficult to manipulate, ensuring employers receive accurate information that greatly informs hiring and employment decisions.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Fairland, MD, benefits from a network of convenient testing locations, both locally and nationwide, provided by Accredited Drug Testing. These centers offer easy access to hair follicle testing services, guaranteeing a quick and hassle-free experience. Such accessibility ensures that testing fits seamlessly into individuals' and employers' schedules, minimizing disruption and facilitating compliance with drug testing requirements.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Fairland, MD, the process for conducting hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting and receiving results, each step is designed to protect individuals' privacy and ensure ease of use. This stress-free approach addresses concerns regarding personal information and makes it straightforward for businesses and individuals alike to engage in necessary drug screening.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Fairland, MD, is tailored to provide excellent value for companies of all sizes. The competitive cost structure coupled with quick results allows employers to make informed decisions without delay. This combination empowers businesses with reliable data while managing expenses effectively.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle tests in Fairland, MD, are known for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests utilize a small hair sample to precisely identify substances used within a lengthy detection period. Compared to traditional tests, the precision of hair follicle screenings guarantees quick and highly accurate results, crucial for maintaining workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Fairland, MD, implementing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, thereby providing peace of mind. Using this method reduces potential legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety by reliably identifying substance use. Equipping employers with the tools to enforce their policies effectively contributes to a more secure and productive 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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