Hair Follicle Drug Testing - South Amherst, MA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now regarded as a robust method for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection timeline for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and simplifies shipping.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the preferred sample size for both preliminary and confirmatory tests. For EtG, additional analyses, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Concerning head hair, this refers only to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial or axillary).

Process Overview

There are four fundamental steps in processing a drug test result in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the first step, involving the sample's entry into a laboratory's database. During this, the sample’s seal and shipping validity are verified, a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any supplementary data entry needed is completed if not already provided via an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening performs an expedited assessment for abuse substances. While a cost-effective method for eliminating drug use in most specimens, a confirmed positive result is mandatory for legal presentation. Specimens with a preliminary positive screen necessitate further verification.

When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and processed for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted at concentrations lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.

Verification of any positive screening outcome employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The whole lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and conforms with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing identifies substance use up to 3 months, whereas urine tests have a shorter catchment period.
• Cheating resistance: Hair drug testing is hard to manipulate, enhancing result reliability.
• Historical insight: Offers a usage trend over time rather than simply detecting recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of identifying recent use: Drugs become traceable in hair about 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth patterns can influence metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in South Amherst, MA.
When choosing between hair and urine testing, hair assessments offer clear advantages. Hair tests capture drug use history over several months, allowing employers insights into long-term usage patterns. This is a stark contrast to urine tests, which only reflect recent use.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in South Amherst, MA.
Employers gain a broad understanding of an individual's drug use history through hair follicle testing, capable of detecting substance use up to 90 days prior. This extensive timeframe provides a trustworthy and thorough overview of prospective employees' substance habits.

• 90-day detection span for extensive evaluation.
• Detailed profile of past drug use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in South Amherst, MA.
One of the most secure testing measures, hair follicle analysis significantly mitigates the risk of tampering. The secure collection and analysis process prevents adulteration, ensuring the dependability and integrity of the results generated.

• Minimizes potential sample alteration.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in South Amherst, MA.
Our nationwide network of testing facilities ensures accessible and hassle-free service. The ability to conduct testing locally or near one's location enhances convenience, making it easy for individuals and companies to comply with testing requirements.

• Wide network of testing centers.
• Immediate access to testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in South Amherst, MA.
Our hair follicle testing procedure guarantees ease and confidentiality, from ordering to testing and result retrieval. Every step respects privacy concerns, ensuring that individuals feel secure and confident during the testing process.

• User-friendly steps with confidentiality.
• Secure and private handling of information.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in South Amherst, MA.
Offering competitive rates and swift processing times, we deliver exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. With cost-effective solutions and rapid result delivery, employers can make informed decisions confidently and efficiently.

• Cost-effective options with exceptional service.
• Quick results to expedite decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in South Amherst, MA.
Hair follicle drug testing provides unrivaled precision and swiftness in identifying substance use. The accuracy of detecting drugs in hair is significantly higher due to sophisticated testing methods, which reduce false positives and deliver dependable results.

• Unmatched precision in results.
• Rapid processing for prompt conclusions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in South Amherst, MA.
Employers benefit from using hair follicle testing to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace legislation. This testing method reduces legal exposures and bolsters safety, offering assurance in a well-managed, drug-free environment.

• Ensures adherence to drug policies.
• Promotes a safer workplace atmosphere.

Drug Testing Near South Amherst, MA

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Pelham, MA

Hatfield, MA

North Amherst, MA

Hadley, MA

Amherst Center, MA

Amherst, 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.

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