Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Kenton, MI

What it is, How it works

Evaluated as a significant resource in identifying substance and alcohol consumption, hair testing is notable for encapsulating a prolonged history of these substances through biomarkers within the strands of hair. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for substances including alcohol. Hair samples are easily collected, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 strands of hair (roughly equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is an ideal amount for both screening and confirmation assessments. For EtG, additional assessments, or tests beyond a 10-panel, a 150mg sample size is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be utilized. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair pertains to all other forms (such as facial or axillary).

Process Overview

The primary four stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the initial incorporation of a sample into the laboratory system, including confirmation of proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing any supplementary data entry not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of a preliminary assessment to detect drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage from most samples, a court-admissible result requires a positive screen to be validated. Any samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

Upon yielding a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, supplementary hair is extracted from the original sample for preparation for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.

The Confirmation of any positive screening result employs techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples presumptively positive undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is scrutinized under the guidelines of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug assessments can detect drug involvement for up to 90 days, contrary to urine assessments which offer a shorter detection timeframe.
• Challenging to tamper with: Tampering with a hair drug test is highly difficult, ensuring the results are more precise.
• Delivers historical insights: It can map out a drug use pattern over time, rather than just highlighting recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot discern recent consumption: Detection of drugs in hair typically requires around 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments are generally pricier versus alternative drug testing approaches.
• Diversity in results: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: Although frequently dubbed as "hair follicle tests", these assessments actually evaluate the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Kenton, MI. Hair tests offer superior detection capabilities.

• Detects drug use up to 90 days previously.
• Harder to cheat compared to urine tests.
• Observed collection ensures reliability.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Kenton, MI. Hair follicle tests track drug usage over a more extended duration, often up to 90 days. Employers get a detailed picture of an individual's substance history.

• Employers gain comprehensive insights.
• 90-day detection period captures most past drug use events.
• Offers security in hiring processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Kenton, MI. Hair follicle tests drastically reduce the risk of sample adulteration.

• Collectors observe all samples.
• Difficult to alter or substitute samples.
• Ensures integrity and reliability in results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Kenton, MI. With strategic centers across the nation, our services offer quick, uncomplicated access.

• Rapid access simplifies the testing process.
• Multiple centers ease logistical challenges.
• Ensures testing accessibility everywhere.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Kenton, MI. We assure a straightforward and private approach to ordering, undergo tests, and acquiring results.

• Privacy is maintained throughout the process.
• Easy ordering and sample submission.
• Confidential results ensure peace of mind.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Kenton, MI. We provide competitive pricing and swift results, delivering excellent value.

• Cost-effective options for all company sizes.
• Quick turnaround ensures timely decisions.
• Provides peace of mind with prompt service.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Kenton, MI, hair follicle drug tests provide Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results. The precision in detecting substance use is unparalleled.

• Swift processing ensures timely results.
• Reliability gives confidence to employers and individuals alike.
• Accuracy in identifying drug use patterns aids in effective decision-making.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Kenton, MI. Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies.

• Reduces legal risks associated with drug use.
• Enhances overall workplace safety.
• Promotes a productive and safe work environment.

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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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