Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Trout Lake, MI

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective approach for identifying the use of substances like drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a comprehensive record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair strand fibers. When sampled near the scalp, it can reveal substance usage for up to around three months. The collection of hair is straightforward, not easily altered, and conveniently shipped.

A typical sample of 1.5 inches, roughly 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For tests involving EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It’s advisable to use a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen weight. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When head hair is mentioned, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other hair types such as facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The primary phases in the lab analysis of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning signifies the first step where a sample gets processed into the lab system. This stage includes checking the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary inspection for drug abuse. Screening is cost-efficient for eliminating drug use for most samples, yet a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in court. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening need secondary confirmation.

In the event of a presumptive positive result at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Drugs are then extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (for instance, urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening a challenging methodology.

Confirmation of any presumptive positive result from Screening is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if required. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the whole lab procedure is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection timeframe.
• Hard to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is notably challenging, thus providing more precise results.
• Reveals historical data: It can indicate a continuous usage pattern rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally cost more than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Trout Lake, MI

Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing provides superior detection and reliability. In Trout Lake, MI, the ability to capture a longer history of substance use with precise accuracy makes hair testing the preferred choice for tackling drug use issues.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Trout Lake, MI

One of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, which can spot drug use for up to 90 days. This feature offers employers in Trout Lake, MI, a thorough view of an employee's drug use history, enhancing decision-making processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Trout Lake, MI

Hair follicle drug tests drastically minimize the potential for sample tampering. In Trout Lake, MI, the reliability and unquestionable accuracy of this testing method provide peace of mind to those requiring foolproof drug test results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Trout Lake, MI

Our widespread network of testing facilities offers convenience and ease for clients, ensuring accessible hair testing services in Trout Lake, MI and beyond, without hassle.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Trout Lake, MI

Our user-friendly and confidential process for drug testing in Trout Lake, MI ensures privacy and ease. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to protect client information while simplifying the testing experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Trout Lake, MI

Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for drug testing in Trout Lake, MI provide exceptional value, catering to businesses of all sizes. We ensure efficient services without compromising on quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Trout Lake, MI

Hair follicle drug tests offer quick, precise results, ensuring high accuracy in detecting substance abuse. In Trout Lake, MI, the efficiency and reliability of these tests promote trust among employers and individuals seeking dependable drug testing solutions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Trout Lake, MI

Adopting hair follicle testing helps employers in Trout Lake, MI keep compliant with drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal risks and fosters a safer environment, providing peace of mind through adherence to regulations.

Drug Testing Near Trout Lake, MI

Dafter, MI

Paradise, MI

Mackinac Island, MI

Engadine, MI

Saint Ignace, MI

St. Ignace, MI

Brimley, MI

Kinross, MI

Naubinway, MI

Rudyard, MI

Moran, MI

Hulbert, MI

Brevort, MI

Eckerman, MI

Rexton, MI

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews