Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Edgartown, MA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has evolved into an effective method for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the growing strand's fibers. When collected from the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to a three-month window. Hair is straightforward to collect, less susceptible to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for testing. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" exclusively refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step includes confirming proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not accounted for by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs. While Screening is cost-efficient for negating drug use in most samples, a positive finding must undergo confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that appear positive during Screening require a secondary confirmation.

Once a sample tests positive presumptively in the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. At this step, drugs are extracted at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug testing.

Positive screening confirmations are performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection range: Hair tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter range.
• Resistance to manipulation: Cheating a hair test is exceedingly difficult, ensuring more reliable results.
• Chronological data offered: It conveys a history of drug use over time, not merely recent activity.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs typically become evident in hair after 5-7 days.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests incur higher costs than other methods.
• Result variability: Elements including hair color and individual growth rates impact the levels of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Edgartown, MA

When comparing hair follicle testing to standard urine analysis, the former boasts superior detection capabilities and reliability. Hair tests provide a broader detection window and a more comprehensive assessment of substance use. This advantage is particularly beneficial for those requiring stringent testing standards in Edgartown.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Edgartown, MA

Hair follicle evaluations offer an unmatched detection window of up to 90 days, providing employers with valuable insights into an individual’s substance history. This comprehensive analysis assists employers in Edgartown to maintain a responsible, informed hiring process, ensuring workplace integrity and safety.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Edgartown, MA

The hair follicle test method is renowned for its resistance to sample tampering, offering trustworthy and indisputable results. This makes it an ideal choice for organization and legal contexts where integrity in results is paramount, ensuring confidence in Edgartown’s testing procedures.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Edgartown, MA

Accredited Drug Testing offers convenience with its extensive network of nationwide centers, including local options in Edgartown. This ensures quick and straightforward access to testing services, facilitating a smooth and efficient experience for all clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Edgartown, MA

The procedure for hair follicle testing is straightforward, from ordering to securing results. The confidential handling of processes ensures privacy, addressing user concerns efficiently and securely, making the experience stress-free in Edgartown.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Edgartown, MA

Our competitive pricing models paired with swift turnaround times provide exceptional value. Companies in Edgartown can benefit from fast and affordable drug testing, bolstering employee assurance and operational excellence.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Edgartown, MA

Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and prompt results. Its meticulous nature ensures a higher accuracy rate in detecting substances compared to traditional methods. With efficiency embedded into the process, individuals and organizations in Edgartown enjoy dependable insights swiftly, aiding in informed decision-making.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Edgartown, MA

Employing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, significantly lessening legal risks and boosting safety. This method grants employers assurance, ensuring both compliance and a secure working environment in Edgartown, fostering a culture of responsibility.

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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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