Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Northome, MN

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substance intake by enclosing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can indicate a substance use history for up to around 90 days. Hair specimens are easy to collect, hard to modify, and straightforward to transport.

A hair sample of 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) from nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair—the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-on tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. It's advised to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If head hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. The term "head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (including facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves entering a sample into a laboratory's system initially. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method for dismissing drug use in most samples, confirmation is needed for a positive result to be legally admissible. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.

If hair is presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Preparation and Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at a lower concentration than with other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), hence making hair testing the most demanding methodology to execute.

Positive Screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a briefer detection period.
• Difficult to manipulate: It is exceedingly hard to deceive a hair drug test, thus yielding more reliable results.
• Offers historical data: It can display a timeline of drug usage over a given period, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent consumption: Drugs become traceable in hair only after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically more costly than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variations: Hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually focuses 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 Northome, MN

Hair follicle testing offers numerous benefits over traditional urine tests. Unlike urine tests, which typically detect recent drug use, hair tests provide a longer detection window, identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended period allows employers to gain a fuller picture of an individual's substance history, reducing risks associated with recent urine-consumed drugs.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Northome, MN

With hair follicle testing, drug use can be identified over a considerable time span. This testing can detect substances used up to 90 days ago, offering reflective insight into an individual's drug history. Employers in Northome gain a comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's habits, crucial for informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Northome, MN

Hair follicle tests are inherently protected from manipulation, significantly lowering the chances of adulteration. By using small hair samples, these tests provide reliable and accurate results that are virtually impossible to alter. This level of security makes hair tests in Northome a trustworthy option, contrasting with the vulnerabilities found in other testing methods.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Northome, MN

Our Northome facility highlights the convenience of widespread testing access. With numerous national centers, obtaining a test is simple and hassle-free, providing ease for employers and individuals alike. This vast network ensures quick and efficient service close to home, adding seamless accessibility to all Northome residents.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Northome, MN

Our hair follicle testing process in Northome is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the entire procedure respects privacy and is hassle-free. Clients can rest assured that their information is secure, and the process is straightforward, making drug testing an unobtrusive experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Northome, MN

Our competitive pricing structures and quick result turnaround in Northome ensure excellent value. Companies of various sizes benefit from our affordable services, providing the assurance of timely results without compromising quality. This balance of cost-efficiency and speed makes us a logical choice for any organization.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Northome, MN

Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and efficiency. In Northome, they offer a high level of accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring dependable results. The advanced technology used in this method ensures that results are not only swift but also thoroughly reliable, making them an excellent choice for critical testing needs.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Northome, MN

Utilizing hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Employers in Northome benefit from reduced legal risks and improved workplace safety. This reliable method assures employers that their staff adheres to required substance regulations, fostering a secure and compliant 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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