Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Rohrersville, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair maintains a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can deliver up to roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, supplements, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't present, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary steps involved in lab processing of a drug test outcome comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial integration of a specimen into a lab's system. This step entails confirming that the specimen was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry that's not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to potentially rule out drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be accepted in legal proceedings. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screenings do need further verification.

If a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening stage, more hair is taken from the initial specimen and set up for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is one of the most complex methodologies to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are washed prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 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 shorter detection period.
• Hard to cheat: Hair drug tests are very difficult to manipulate, leading to more reliable results.
• Offers historical data: It can show a pattern of drug use over a timeframe, not just recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: It requires approximately 5-7 days before drugs can be detected in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally have a higher cost compared to other drug testing methods.
• Inconsistencies in results: Elements like hair color and personal variations in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Rohrersville, MD

Hair follicle testing holds numerous advantages compared to urine tests. One key benefit is its broader detection window, which captures substance intake over months rather than days. This test provides not just frequent users' history but also occasional use within a significant timeline, offering unmatched reliability and precision for employers.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Rohrersville, MD

Hair follicle testing offers an impressive detection window of up to 90 days, presenting a comprehensive picture of substance usage history—unmatched by other testing methods. Employers can ensure that applicants or employees are evaluated accurately, providing peace of mind and establishing a trustworthy workplace environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rohrersville, MD

Choosing hair follicle testing adds a layer of security due to its resistance to tampering or adulteration. Hair samples are collected under direct observation and are difficult to alter, ensuring the integrity of the results. This method reduces the risk of erroneous data, thus maintaining high standards for testing reliability.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Rohrersville, MD

The widespread availability of our testing centers means easy and quick access to drug testing services. With convenient locations nationwide, including Rohrersville, MD, individuals and employers benefit from hassle-free testing, enhancing efficiency and comfort in maintaining a safe environment.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Rohrersville, MD

The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and private, ensuring ease and confidentiality. From ordering to voiding results, each step is designed with user privacy in mind. This alleviates concerns about sensitive data exposure, thus promoting an environment of trust and confidence.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rohrersville, MD

We offer competitive pricing and speedy processing for our hair follicle testing services. Ensuring affordability without compromising on quality, our services provide excellent value for businesses of varying sizes. Our quick turnaround time assists in maintaining uninterrupted operations while ensuring comprehensive drug policies.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Rohrersville, MD

Hair follicle drug tests are preferred for their precision and speed, delivering fast and accurate results. This method excels in detecting drug use, offering reliable insights into an individual's substance history. The ability to swiftly process samples ensures that results are not delayed, aiding employers in making informed decisions without anxiety over accuracy.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rohrersville, MD

Employers adopting hair follicle testing gain significant advantages such as assured compliance with workplace drug policies. This testing strategy bolsters workplace safety, mitigates legal risks, and promotes a drug-free environment. Employers can be confident in their decisions, fostering a healthy organizational climate.

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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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