Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bartlett, NE

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is gaining recognition as a highly effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When collected from the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection span of up to about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair sampling is easy, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment, consisting of around 200 strands of hair (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil), nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional substances, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for accurate measurement. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. Head hair denotes scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of drug test results encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial sample processing into the lab’s system. It includes verifying sample sealing and shipping accuracy, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While this process is cost-effective for excluding drug usage in most samples, a confirmed positive result is necessary for legal admissibility. Samples found presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

If Screening detects a sample as presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection period.
• High difficulty to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is very challenging, ensuring more precise results.
• Historical pattern data: It reveals a timeline of drug use behavior over an extended period, not solely recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Higher Costs: Hair drug testing is typically pricier compared to other drug testing methodologies.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis targets 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 Bartlett, NE

• Hair testing surpasses traditional urine methods through its extended detection period of up to 90 days.
• It provides a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of an individual's substance history.
• Compared to urinalysis, it's far less prone to evasion and tampering attempts.
• For employers, it represents a more robust approach to maintaining a drug-free workplace.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Bartlett, NE

• Hair follicle testing offers an unparalleled detection window, monitoring drug usage up to 90 days back.
• This extended period provides a fuller picture of an individual's substance use history.
• Employers gain critical insights into past behaviors, aiding in comprehensive assessments.
• Unlike other testing methods, hair tests offer wide-ranging substance use visibility.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bartlett, NE

• Hair follicle testing dramatically decreases the risk of sample tampering or adulteration.
• Its stringent collection processes ensure the authenticity of results, free from manipulation.
• Employers and authorities can trust the reliability and integrity of hair test data.
• Compared to other methods, it's nearly impossible for subjects to alter or cheat results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bartlett, NE

• Our extensive network of testing centers simplifies access to hair testing services.
• From Bartlett to anywhere nationwide, we ensure a hassle-free testing experience.
• Quick and straightforward accessibility makes maintaining compliance effortless.
• Our local presence in Bartlett provides the convenience and speed you need.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Bartlett, NE

• We prioritize a straightforward, confidential approach to hair testing procedures.
• The entire process—from ordering to results—is designed for ease and privacy.
• Clients' sensitive information remains protected throughout every stage.
• Individuals can rely on our discrete handling of their testing needs in Bartlett.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bartlett, NE

• We offer competitive pricing without compromising the quality of results.
• Quick processing ensures results are delivered in a timely, efficient manner.
• Our pricing structures are designed to fit businesses of various sizes.
• Moving swiftly from testing to results, we guarantee exceptional value and satisfaction.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bartlett, NE

• Hair follicle testing offers a robust solution for detecting drug use, ensuring a high level of precision.
• The testing process is efficient, delivering swift results while maintaining accuracy.
• This method stands out for its excellence in capturing reliable data regarding substance use.
• With quick processing times, hair testing ensures timely information for decision-making.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bartlett, NE

• Implementing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to stringent drug-free workplace policies.
• Companies benefit from reduced legal liabilities through reliable drug testing practices.
• Hair testing aids in fostering a safer, more responsible work environment.
• With accurate results, employers can confidently uphold their compliance standards.

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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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