Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Meridian Station, MS

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now considered a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When harvested near the scalp, hair can indicate up to a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, somewhat tamper-resistant, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair fibers (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) nearest to the scalp ensures the collection of 100mg of hair, which is the optimum quantity for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests/reagents, and multi-panel screenings exceeding 10 panels, a sample weight of 150mg is advisable. We suggest checking the sample weight with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair can't be obtained, an equivalent volume of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair pertain only to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four essential steps in processing a lab drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the initial processing of a sample within a lab's system. This step includes confirming that the sample was securely sealed and correctly shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra information entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary check for drug usage. Although it is an economical approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that test positive in Screening require further confirmation.

Should a sample be positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at notably reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to perform.

Every positive screening outcome is verified via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests identify drug consumption for up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter detection window of urine tests.
• Resistant to tampering: Hair drug tests are notably difficult to deceive, ensuring more reliable outcomes.
• Chronological usage pattern: These tests indicate a timeline of drug use, offering insights into patterns instead of just recent intake.

Limitations:

• Recent use undetectable: Detection in hair requires a period of about 5-7 days post drug consumption.
• Higher costs: Hair drug tests are typically more costly compared to other drug screening methods.
• Result variability: Hair color and individual growth rates can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Though commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the assessment targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

For those in Meridian Station, MS, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine testing. The accuracy and reliability in substance detection make it superior.
Why Hair Follicle Testing is Better:

• Longer detection windows, tracing up to 90 days.
• Almost impossible to tamper with or cheat compared to urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Meridian Station, MS, excels with its extended detection period of up to 90 days. This gives a fuller picture of an individual's drug history.
The ability to see a broad span of substance use history makes it invaluable for employers needing insight into potential hires or monitoring current employees.
This comprehensive view ensures informed decisions based on extensive data.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Meridian Station, MS, significantly minimize the risk of sample tampering. The robustness of this test assures reliable outcomes.
Unlike other testing methods, hair sample analysis provides a much harder-to-alter result, enhancing its credibility.
Employers trust this process for its strong resistance to manipulation, promoting a safe and honest workplace.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient access through its expansive network of testing centers, including in Meridian Station, MS.
Availability nationwide means quick and hassle-free testing services right when they're needed without lengthy delays.
This accessibility makes the process efficient whether at a nearby local center or nationwide while maintaining top-tier quality.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Meridian Station, MS, is crafted for simplicity and confidentiality. The ease of ordering, testing, and result reception is assured.
Our concern for privacy helps alleviate worries, ensuring discreet handling of sensitive information.
Clients value this streamlined process, which respects their needs for convenience and confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive pricing and prompt results are foundational to our offerings in Meridian Station, MS.
The affordability of our hair follicle testing does not compromise quality or speed, offering excellent value.
Companies of various sizes benefit from these cost-effective solutions combined with fast turnaround, providing reassurance through reliable and accessible services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Meridian Station, MS, the swiftness and precision of hair follicle drug testing help ensure accurate results. Precision in detecting substance use makes this method highly reliable.
The advanced technology involved provides high confidence in the results due to its precise detection capabilities. Plus, its speed in delivering outcomes far surpasses many other testing methods available today.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Meridian Station, MS, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Legal risks are reduced thanks to its accuracy.
The contribution to workplace safety is significant, as it limits the chance of substance abuse negatively affecting productivity and morale.
Trustworthy results build a foundation for secure business practices.

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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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