Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Sharptown, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is regarded as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair offers a long-term record of drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the growing strand. When collected close to the scalp, it offers an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample, roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain only to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key steps in laboratory drug test result processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into a lab's system. This entails confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening conducts an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation to be legally acceptable. Any samples tentatively positive in Screening require further confirmation.

If a sample yields a tentative positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction. At this step, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with tentative positives are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with 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 span.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating on a hair drug test is extremely difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insights: It reveals a pattern of drug use over time, not merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Approximately 5-7 days are required for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are often pricier than alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: While frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Sharptown, MD Uncover the advantages of hair follicle testing over conventional urine tests, including superior detection accuracy and unmatched reliability. Hair tests provide a comprehensive substance history due to their extended detection window, making them the preferred choice for employers and organizations committed to maintaining a drug-free environment.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Sharptown, MD Hair follicle testing offers an unparalleled detection period of up to 90 days, providing a thorough insight into an individual's substance use history. This extended window benefits employers who seek to understand an applicant or employee's long-term commitment to a drug-free lifestyle, offering peace of mind and security.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sharptown, MD Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering, delivering results that are both reliable and incontrovertible. This robust testing method ensures the integrity and authenticity of the results, eliminating concerns about potential manipulation often associated with other testing types.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Sharptown, MD Our widespread network of testing centers guarantees fast, easy, and stress-free access to drug testing services. Whether you're located in Sharptown or beyond, our centers are strategically placed to provide prompt and convenient testing solutions for our clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Sharptown, MD Experience a straightforward and confidential procedure from ordering to receiving your results. Our approach addresses privacy concerns and ensures ease of use, offering individuals and organizations a seamless testing experience. Trust in a process designed to respect discretion and efficiently deliver results.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sharptown, MD Benefit from our competitive pricing models and quick turnaround times that cater to businesses of all scales. Our affordable services are designed to provide maximum value and peace of mind, ensuring you receive timely and cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Sharptown, MD Hair follicle drug testing provides rapid and precise results, delivering unparalleled accuracy in detecting substance abuse. This cutting-edge method ensures that results are delivered swiftly, allowing for prompt decision-making in various settings. The reliability of hair testing makes it an indispensable tool for employers and legal entities alike.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sharptown, MD Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug policies, thereby reducing legal liabilities and enhancing overall workplace safety. This method supports employers in their efforts to maintain a secure and compliant working environment, fostering trust and confidence.

Drug Testing Near Sharptown, MD

East New Market, MD

New Market, MD

Quantico, MD

Federalsburg, MD

Hurlock, MD

Delmar, MD

Hebron, MD

Vienna, MD

Mardela Springs, MD

Eldorado, MD

Brookview, MD

Galestown, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews