Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Dartmouth, MA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. A strand of hair can archive a lengthy record of substance use due to the entrapment of biomarkers within its fibers. Hair taken near the scalp can reveal drug and alcohol consumption dating back up to approximately three months, offering a wide detection window. Collecting hair is a straightforward process, challenging to manipulate deceitfully, and convenient to transport.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing around 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) located closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimized sample size for both initial tests and confirmations. For tests involving EtG, additional parameters, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is the suggested sample weight. We advocate for using a jeweler’s scale for precise weighing. If scalp hair is non-existent, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used as an alternative. It should be noted that when we mention head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory system, which involves checking the sample’s seal and shipping integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data input if absent in an electronic chain of custody setup.

Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in most specimens, positive outcomes from Screening require confirmation before being court-admissible. Samples that yield presumptive positives during Screening must undergo further confirmation.

For samples with a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample to undergo the Extraction process. This phase involves extracting substances at significantly lower concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug testing as a complex methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive outcomes from Screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples flagged as presumptive positives are cleansed before proceeding to the confirmation stage if necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug assessments can identify substance use reaching up to 90 days, whereas urine assessments have a reduced detection timeframe.
• High resistance to manipulation: It is exceedingly challenging to bypass a hair drug analysis, thereby enhancing the precision of the findings.
• Historical usage insights: This method can map drug consumption trends over time, rather than just detecting recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: There is a period of about 5-7 days necessary for substances to become detectable in hair strands.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs compared to other testing methodologies.
• Variability in outcomes: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences may influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis targets 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 Dartmouth, MA

Hair follicle testing stands out as a superior option when compared to traditional urine tests due to its enhanced detection accuracy. The reliability of hair tests ensures that any substance use is captured comprehensively.

Additionally, while urine tests offer a shorter detection window, hair follicle testing maintains its credibility by offering insights into long-term substance use, making it more applicable for thorough assessments.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Dartmouth, MA

One of the most significant advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, which can span up to 90 days. This feature provides employers with a detailed retrospective of an individual's substance use history.

This prolonged detection period is vital in gaining a comprehensive understanding of a potential employee’s or applicant's prior substance use, aiding in better hiring or retention decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dartmouth, MA

Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risks associated with sample tampering, ensuring results are both reliable and uncontestable. The nature of the test makes it challenging to adulterate, guaranteeing authenticity in the findings.

Such an integrity level in testing fortifies trust in hair follicle tests, presenting a formidable defense against cheating, and preserves the validity of the results across various contexts.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dartmouth, MA

The nationwide availability of our testing centers ensures that access to reliable drug testing services is both expedient and uncomplicated. Local locations, including those in Dartmouth, MA, offer straightforward access, minimizing any logistical hassles.

With such widespread facility distribution, individuals can easily complete necessary drug tests without extended travel or inconvenience, ensuring satisfaction and ease throughout the process.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Dartmouth, MA

The process for ordering, taking, and obtaining results from hair follicle testing remains straightforward and confidential, prioritizing user privacy and convenience at every step.

Whether concerned about the procedural simplicity or data privacy, this testing method ensures a seamless experience that respects the confidentiality of all involved participants, coaxing a stress-free testing experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dartmouth, MA

Our competitive pricing structures, coupled with swift result times, provide substantial value by balancing cost-effectiveness with fast service. Companies, big or small, benefit from the affordability and rapid delivery of results.

This value proposition guarantees that businesses receive precise and timely information without straining budgets, ensuring quick and informed decisions without financial burden.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dartmouth, MA

Hair follicle drug tests provide exceptional precision in detecting substance use, making them an ideal choice for quick and reliable results. This testing method virtually eliminates the guesswork by offering high accuracy, confirming substance presence decisively.

Moreover, the speed at which hair follicle testing delivers outcomes ensures that you receive not only accurate but also timely results. This quick turnaround is critical for rapid decision-making processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dartmouth, MA

Implementing hair follicle testing assists employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, an essential part of maintaining a secure work environment. This form of testing lessens legal liabilities linked to non-compliance with drug regulations.

Employers can be rest assured that incorporating hair follicle testing bolsters workplace safety, fostering a secure, compliance-driven environment where safety and obligations go hand in hand.

Drug Testing Near Dartmouth, MA

Freetown, MA

Fall River, MA

Rochester, MA

Mattapoisett Center, MA

North Westport, MA

Westport, MA

South Westport, MA

Fairhaven, MA

Shore Acres, MA

New Bedford, MA

Bedford, MA

Acushnet, MA

Smith Mills, MA

South Dartmouth, MA

Bliss Corner, MA

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