Hair Follicle Drug Testing - North Branch, MI

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a potent instrument in identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. By trapping biological markers in its fibers, a strand of hair provides an extensive record of substance use. When acquired near the scalp, a hair sample can disclose a history of drug and alcohol consumption for up to roughly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, offers resistance to tampering, and is conveniently shippable.

An ideal specimen for both initial screening and subsequent confirmation is obtained from a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair. For analyses like EtG, additional panels, or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair may be utilized. References to head hair imply only scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The extensive laboratory procedure of a drug test result encompasses Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning denotes the introductory processing phase of integrating a sample into the lab’s system. This stage verifies proper sample sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any outstanding data entry absent in the electronic chain of custody framework.

Screening constitutes an initial, swift evaluation for the presence of illicit substances. Though cost-effective, positive Screening results necessitate confirmation to be legally accepted. A secondary confirmation is mandatory for any samples indicating a preliminary positive in Screening.

Presumptive positive results in Screening entail additional hair extraction from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening notoriously challenging.

Confirmatory assessments of positive results are carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing if necessary before Confirmation. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under 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 reveal drug usage for up to 90 days, contrasting with urine tests that have a briefer detection span.
• Challenging to falsify: The impossibility of deceiving a hair drug test enhances the accuracy of results.
• Historic data provision: It traces a timeline of drug usage over an extended duration, rather than just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically costlier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth variations can impact metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is a misnomer, as the examination involves analyzing the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in North Branch, MI
In terms of detection, hair follicle testing is superior, offering a broader detection period and nearly impossible cheating. This makes it more reliable than traditional urine tests, particularly for employers needing comprehensive substance use history evaluations in North Branch, MI.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in North Branch, MI
Hair follicle testing covers a wide detection period of up to 90 days. This extended window gives employers in North Branch, MI a detailed overview of an individual's substance use history, making it an ideal choice for assessing long-term drug use patterns.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in North Branch, MI
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering. By using a method that secures reliable results, professionals in North Branch, MI are assured of accurate outcomes, enhancing the integrity of the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in North Branch, MI
Our widespread network of testing centers offers convenience, ensuring quick and stress-free testing access. In North Branch, MI, this accessibility facilitates efficient and straightforward testing experiences.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in North Branch, MI
Our hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. We prioritize privacy and simplicity for our clients in North Branch, MI, ensuring a discreet and hassle-free experience from ordering to receiving results.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in North Branch, MI
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times deliver excellent value for businesses irrespective of size. In North Branch, MI, we offer cost-effective solutions without compromising on speed or reliability.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in North Branch, MI
Hair follicle drug tests offer a high degree of precision and speed. In North Branch, MI, these tests are favored due to their exceptional accuracy in detecting substance use. Ensuring fast and reliable results, this method provides a timely solution for those seeking trustworthy drug testing procedures.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in North Branch, MI
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks. This not only enhances workplace safety but also provides employers in North Branch, MI peace of mind with their compliance strategies.

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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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