Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Vossburg, MS

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as a crucial method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, offering a detailed timeline of alcohol and other substance use. When gathered near the scalp, it can detect substances over a span of up to approximately three months. Hair collection is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly matching the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG extensions or exams exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen utilizing a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar amount of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary stages in the laboratory evaluation of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the preliminary phase of entering a sample into a lab’s framework, which entails making sure the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial rapid test for drugs of abuse. Though screening offers a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use in the majority of cases, positive screens need confirmation to be considered permissible in court. Any samples that yield presumptive positives in screening warrant further confirmation.

In cases of presumptive positives during screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies.

Confirmation of positive screening results is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation, as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter detection period of urine tests.
• Difficult to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is quite challenging, thus rendering the results more reliable.
• Provides historical data: Offers a pattern of drug use over time, rather than just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth may influence drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing to standard urine analysis in Vossburg, MS, hair testing clearly stands out with its superior detection ability. Hair tests effectively reveal past substance use, offering detailed insights.

Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection period, hair testing is robust against deception attempts. This makes it invaluable for employers enforcing stringent anti-substance regulations.

Extended Detection Window

The extensive detection window of hair follicle tests in Vossburg, MS, puts it a cut above other testing techniques. Being able to detect drug use for up to 90 days, it provides a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history.

This method is instrumental for companies aiming to obtain a comprehensive assessment of an applicant's previous drug use, ensuring informed and reliable hiring decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Vossburg, MS, significantly reduces the chances of sample tampering, thereby ensuring dependable and irrefutable results.

This testing methodology safeguards the sample integrity throughout the entire process, virtually eliminating opportunities for adulteration and enhancing the credibility of the results it produces.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing provides extensive testing locations nationwide, including in Vossburg, MS, guaranteeing easy and prompt access to our testing services.

The widespread availability of testing centers ensures that clients experience minimal inconvenience when arranging and attending testing, underscoring our commitment to hassle-free service.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of ordering and completing a hair follicle drug test in Vossburg, MS, is designed to be simple and confidential. We prioritize client privacy and the ease of navigating through the entire testing procedure.

From arranging appointments to receiving results, clients can rely on a discreet and straightforward process that respects their privacy concerns and ensures user-friendly interactions.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Vossburg, MS, Accredited Drug Testing is recognized for its competitive pricing and efficient turnaround times, offering excellent value to businesses of varying sizes.

Clients can anticipate a prompt and cost-effective service that delivers results without compromising quality, rendering this an ideal option for companies seeking reliable testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The efficiency and precision of hair follicle testing in Vossburg, MS, make it an ideal choice for fast and accurate results. This method remains unmatched in its detection capability and reliability.

With advanced testing methods, test results obtained through hair samples provide a heightened level of accuracy when identifying drug usage, making hair testing a preferred choice for many employers and professionals.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Vossburg, MS, incorporating hair follicle testing assures employers of adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method helps mitigate legal risks while also boosting workplace safety.

Employers can rest easy knowing they're utilizing a testing method that not only upholds regulatory compliance but also enhances the collective peace of mind within the organization.

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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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