Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Tower, MI

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures long-term indicators of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair offers a detection span of up to about 90 days for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

An optimal 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for initial screening and detailed confirmation. For EtG, additional checks, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the hair sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean scalp-specific hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug testing laboratory workflow consists of four pivotal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory framework. This involves confirming the sample's sealing and proper shipment, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing supplementary data entry if not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for illicit drugs. Although Screening is an economical method for negating drug usage across most samples, any positive indication requires verification to be court-admissible. Samples showing potentially positive results at the Screening stage must undergo secondary confirmation.

If a sample shows potential positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are retrieved from the hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening as a methodology.

Verification of any Screening positives occurs using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples showing potential positivity are washed before confirmation if needed. The whole lab procedure, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug assessments can recognize drug activity for up to 90 days, unlike urine assessments that cover a shorter duration.
• Minimal risk of falsification: Altering hair drug test results is extremely tough, thereby enhancing accuracy.
• Historical insights: It identifies a sequence of drug usage over time, not just fresh activity.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent activity: Drugs become traceable in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Expensive: Hair drug analysis often incurs higher costs than other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair pigmentation and individual hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentration within hair.

Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Tower, MI, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests with its superior detection accuracy.
Urine tests can sometimes miss long-term drug use, whereas hair testing provides a more comprehensive insight into a person's history.

Employers prefer hair testing because it's nearly impossible to cheat. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing in Tower offers an extended detection period, catching drug use signs missed by other tests.
This reliability positions hair testing as the superior choice against more conventional methods.

Extended Detection Window

In Tower, MI, hair follicle testing detects drug use for a protracted period, up to 90 days.
This extended window allows employers to observe a more comprehensive substance history of candidates or employees.

Employers in Tower appreciate the broad detection range of hair testing. Offering insights into sustained drug use rather than recent activities, this method provides a deeper understanding of an individual's habits.
Hair testing's ability to uncover long-term patterns makes it an invaluable tool for responsible hiring and management decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Tower, MI, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests is a major advantage. The integrity of hair samples makes adulteration extremely difficult, ensuring accurate results.
This has become a critical consideration for employers seeking undisputable evidence of drug use, thereby preventing deceit.

With the reduction in sample tampering risks, hair follicle testing provides Tower companies with trustworthy information.
The reliability of this method sets a benchmark in the integrity of drug testing, making it a preferred option for many organizations.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient locations across the nation, including Tower, MI, accessing drug testing services has never been easier.
Accredited Drug Testing provides seamless service, allowing you to acquire needed testing without hassle.

The expansive reach of our testing centers simplifies the process. Whether in Tower or elsewhere in the country, our quick and easy access ensures you won't waste time seeking testing solutions.
Our locations provide swift, straightforward service.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of hair follicle testing in Tower, MI, is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is effortless, protecting your privacy every step of the way.
This ensures you can access services without concern over your personal information.

For individuals and employers alike, the clarity and confidentiality of our procedures set minds at ease.
From start to finish, every aspect of the testing process is designed to respect your privacy while providing essential results quickly.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Tower, MI, Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and quick turnaround times.
These factors ensure excellent value, catering to businesses seeking both affordability and efficiency in drug testing services.

Employers looking for cost-effective solutions appreciate our streamlined processes. Our pricing structures demonstrate our commitment to offering unbeatable rates, while our fast results provide clarity in a timely manner.
Companies of all scales benefit from our service excellence.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Tower, MI, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and reliability. They ensure fast and accurate detection of substance use, allowing employers to make informed decisions swiftly.
The speed and precision of these tests make them the go-to choice for businesses seeking efficient and effective drug testing methods.

The accuracy of hair follicle testing is unparalleled. Substance detection in hair samples provides a definitive answer to drug use queries, bolstering employer confidence.
This method is fast, reducing waiting times and increasing efficiency in decision-making.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Tower, MI benefit from the compliance and reassurance provided by hair follicle testing. This drug-free policy adheres perfectly to regulations, reducing legal hazards.
Implementing such robust testing enhances the safety and well-being of workplace environments.

Hair follicle testing ensures peace of mind by aligning with strict compliance standards. Employers can trust that they are upholding safety and policy guidelines, safeguarding their business' legal standing.
This strategic approach helps preserve a safe and secure work environment in Tower.

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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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