Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Oakley, MS

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as a significant method for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair acts as a long-term record holder by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the hair as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer a detection history for drugs and alcohol spanning up to three months. Collection is straightforward, altering is challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.

A section of hair measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of about 200 strands (roughly equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation tests. For add-ons like EtG or panels exceeding 10 tests, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the hair. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. 'Head hair' refers solely to hair from the scalp, while 'body hair' includes all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing stages of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning accounts for the sample's initial integration into the lab’s system. Tasks include verifying the sample’s seal and correct shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data not available from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary fast check for drug substances. Although cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive Screening result must undergo confirmation for court acceptability. Samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening are subjected to a second-level confirmation.

Should a sample appear positive in Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations lower than in other techniques (like urine or saliva), thus making hair drug testing the most complex method.

Confirmation for positive screenings uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every sample deemed presumptively positive undergoes necessary washing before confirmation. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection history: Hair drug tests can track drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter detection lengths.
• Hard to evade: Cheating on a hair drug test is exceptionally tough, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Chronic usage pattern: This method can indicate a trend of drug use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Does not capture recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair roughly 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to cost more than alternative testing methods.
• Result inconsistency: Elements like hair color and personal hair growth rate can alter drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests," the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oakley, MS
In comparison to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing provides superior accuracy and reliability. Urine tests may fail to detect long-term substance use, while hair tests have an extended detection window.

Employers in Oakley benefit from hair testing's enhanced accuracy, as it ensures comprehensive evaluations, particularly for roles where safety and precision are paramount. Avoid pitfalls of shorter detection spans with hair testing.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Oakley, MS
Hair follicle testing offers a prolonged detection window of up to 90 days, allowing a detailed view of substance use. Employers gain valuable insights into long-term habits, influencing hiring decisions.

This extended window offers a comprehensive understanding, helping ensure only reliable candidates are chosen. In Oakley, this testing supports businesses striving for a safe, informed workforce.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oakley, MS
The risk of adulteration is significantly reduced with hair follicle tests. In Oakley, this ensures reliable and definitive results, a crucial factor for legal and professional environments where accuracy is non-negotiable.

With nearly impossible manipulation, employers and courts prefer hair testing, ensuring integrity and trust. It delivers a secure testing process, aligning with stringent compliance demands.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oakley, MS
Accessing hair follicle testing is convenient with our widespread nationwide centers, including Oakley. We ensure a seamless experience in drug testing services.

• Quick and accessible test centers support efficient scheduling.
• Our extensive network ensures testing is never a hassle.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Oakley, MS
Ordering and conducting a hair follicle test is straightforward and discreet. The privacy of individuals is prioritized throughout, ensuring peace of mind.

Our service in Oakley provides ease and confidentiality from start to finish, making the process user-friendly. Embrace a seamless testing journey, respecting privacy throughout.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oakley, MS
Our competitive pricing structure and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing a valuable choice for businesses. We support varied sizes and industries in Oakley, ensuring affordability and quality.

Experience quick results without compromising on accuracy, maintaining budget-friendly options that support corporate needs efficiently.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oakley, MS
Hair follicle drug tests stand out due to their precision and rapid results. When it comes to detecting substance use, these tests are highly accurate, proving to be a trusted method over time.

Compared to traditional tests, hair follicle analyses deliver insights swiftly, allowing professionals to make informed decisions efficiently. Their reliability makes them a popular choice for fast-paced environments demanding timely results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oakley, MS
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures alignment with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances employee safety, fostering a secure working environment.

Employers gain peace of mind knowing compliant practices are in place. In Oakley, staying proactive with hair testing supports a proactive approach to safety and policy adherence.

Drug Testing Near Oakley, MS

Jackson, MS

Cleary, MS

Crystal Springs, MS

Brownsville, MS

Carpenter, MS

Byram, MS

Reganton, MS

Terry, MS

Clinton, MS

Utica, MS

Edwards, MS

Bolton, MS

Raymond, MS

Adams, MS

Learned, MS

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