Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Custer, MT

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by ensnaring biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When hair is harvested near the scalp, it can reveal up to a 3-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient to send.

A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for screening and verification. For advanced testing such as EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair mean scalp hair only, while body hair signifies all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug testing in a laboratory comprises four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This step confirms the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary inspection for substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to negate drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples testing presumptively positive in Screening must undergo a follow-up confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is collected from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation if required. The entire lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests detect drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection range.
• Hard to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely tough, leading to more reliable results.
• Chronological data availability: It imparts a pattern of drug use over time instead of merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: It requires 5-7 days for drugs to be identifiable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests usually cost more than other drug testing techniques.
• Inconsistencies in outcomes: Variables like hair color and individual hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Choosing hair follicle testing over urine tests in Custer, MT brings multiple advantages. Hair testing's superior detection accuracy unveils long-term substance use, ensuring reliable results. While urine tests focus on recent use, hair tests cover a more extensive timeframe, offering a detailed perspective on an individual's drug history.

This broader window not only aids in making informed decisions but also enhances safety standards. By employing hair tests, establishments achieve a higher accuracy and alleviate the risks of drug consumption slipping through unnoticed.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Custer, MT benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window. This method captures drug use history for up to 90 days, offering insights into long-term substance habits. Employers gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's past, making informed hiring or retention decisions.

The test's ability to reveal three months of drug consumption stands as a valuable asset. This extended surveillance ensures that unnoticed or recent drug use within previous months is detected, safeguarding workplace integrity.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests boast a tamper-resistant methodology. In Custer, MT, this diminishes the likelihood of sample adulteration, which is a risk with other testing options. The collected samples are nearly impossible to alter, delivering unquestionable results that both employers and individuals can trust.

Such an approach ensures the integrity of the results, vital for areas with strict drug-free policies. With increased reliability, these tests hold a clear advantage over others concerning sample manipulation concerns.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With nationwide testing centers, including those in Custer, MT, Accredited Drug Testing ensures accessible and hassle-free services. Our widespread locations mean more convenience and faster access to testing solutions tailored to various needs.

By situating facilities across the country, quick assessments are made possible. Clients enjoy an efficient experience devoid of geographical limitations, ensuring needs are met promptly, irrespective of the individual's location.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Custer, MT, the process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair test results is both simple and confidential. This process ensures that individuals' privacy concerns are addressed thoroughly, offering ease of use from start to finish.

Every step, from sample collection to result delivery, prioritizes confidentiality. Knowing their privacy is safe, clients can proceed without hesitation, trusting that the information remains protected and handled responsibly.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Custer, MT offers affordable pricing and swift turnarounds for hair follicle testing. With competitive price structures, businesses of any size can undertake these evaluations, experiencing significant value and reassurance.

This service also assures rapid result processing, providing quick access to potentially crucial data. Companies benefit from the combination of budget-friendliness and timeliness, without sacrificing quality or effectiveness.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests offer precision and speed in substance detection. In Custer, MT, these tests provide highly accurate results, ensuring employers receive data they can depend on. Compared to alternative methods, hair tests quickly identify any history of drug use, making them an excellent option for businesses aiming for reliability and efficiency.

In addition, the turnaround time for results is noteworthy. Hair follicle testing minimizes waiting periods significantly, granting a faster assessment of an individual's substance use history. This level of accuracy and quick feedback makes these tests appealing to many organizations.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle tests in Custer, MT enhances compliance with zero-tolerance drug policies. These testing methods reduce legal risks by providing conclusive evidence of employees' substance use, aligning with workplace regulations. Employers benefit from improved safety and legal protection.

This testing protocol offers peace of mind, guaranteeing that policies are upheld and the workplace remains a safe environment. Choosing hair tests ensures businesses fulfill their responsibility in maintaining a drug-free zone.

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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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