Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Benedict, NE

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When a sample is taken close to the scalp, it can offer a detection range of up to around 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient for transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for testing and verification. For EtG tests, extra panels, or more than 10-panel tests, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is missing, a similar volume of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

The lab processing of a drug test result entails four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

The Accessioning phase involves the sample's initial integration into a lab’s system. This step includes checking that the sample was securely sealed and properly dispatched, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any supplementary data not covered by an electronic custody system.

Screening consists of a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result needs to be validated for legal acceptability. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo additional validation.

Should a Screening result indicate a presumptive positive, more hair is taken from the original sample and made ready for Extraction. Here, the substances are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), which is why hair drug analysis is among the most challenging methods to execute.

Any positive Screening outcomes are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Samples with a presumptive positive are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug tests can recognize drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection duration.
• Hard to tamper with: Manipulating a hair drug test is very challenging, resulting in more precise outcomes.
• Tracks past usage: It can demonstrate a drug use pattern over time, rather than just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Delayed detection: It takes approximately 5-7 days for substances to be traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other testing techniques.
• Result variations: Factors such as hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on 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 Benedict, NE
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering superior accuracy and reliability. Hair tests detect drug use over extended periods, unlike urine tests, which track only recent consumption. Employers benefit from consistent results, helping maintain drug-free workplaces.

With hair testing, the detection window spans up to 90 days, far exceeding urine’s capability. Furthermore, hair tests are less susceptible to tampering, solidifying their position as the preferred choice for stringent drug screening requirements. Reliability and extended detection are hallmarks of this advanced testing method.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Benedict, NE
Hair follicle tests offer remarkable advantages, with detection periods extending up to 90 days. Employers receive a full depiction of an individual's substance habits over time, aiding in making informed employment decisions.

By extending the detection window, hair testing provides a thorough understanding of an employee's or candidate's drug history. This extended coverage empowers businesses to uphold safety and compliance standards effectively, ensuring trustworthiness and security within the workplace environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Benedict, NE
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the chances of sample alterations, providing reliable results. Unlike urine tests, which can be tampered with easily, hair samples offer security against adulteration, fostering confidence in the testing process.

The robust nature of hair sample testing deters attempts at manipulation, ensuring results that are both credible and verifiable. This tamper-resistant quality is indispensable for employers relying on steadfast drug screening methods to maintain workplace integrity.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Benedict, NE
With testing centers spanning the nation, Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy access to services from any location. This accessibility supports prompt and hassle-free testing experiences for all participants.

Locally, Benedict benefits from nearby centers, underlining our commitment to convenience and efficiency. Our expansive network delivers assured testing access, making services simple to obtain, wherever you may be.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Benedict, NE
Our testing process is designed with confidentiality and simplicity. Easily order, take, and receive results without compromising privacy concerns, offering a seamless testing journey from start to finish.

Addressing privacy, our comprehensive approach ensures ease and discretion, vital for participants' peace of mind. The streamlined process provides assurance alongside clarity, upholding standards of excellence throughout.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Benedict, NE
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and rapid result delivery, delivering excellent value. Companies of all sizes enjoy cost-effective solutions, enhancing peace of mind and ensuring quality service.

With our fast turnaround time, clients receive timely information, crucial for efficient decision-making. Our commitment to affordability makes quality testing accessible, meeting both budgetary and service needs effectively.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Benedict, NE
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their exceptional speed and precision. Enabling accurate detection of substance use, these tests deliver results with high reliability. Individuals and organizations benefit from immediate access to robust data, making informed decisions more efficiently than ever before.

Designed for accuracy, hair follicle testing produces fast results, essential for employers needing swift verification. Unlike other methods, the comprehensive testing approach ensures thorough detection of drug substances, ensuring dependable results. The blend of speed and accuracy makes it a preferred choice for many.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Benedict, NE
Hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies, giving employers peace of mind. By reducing legal risks and promoting safety, these tests ensure a secure and compliant work environment.

Employers can trust hair testing for adhering to stringent workplace standards. This method not only minimizes potential liabilities but also fosters a culture of safety and productivity. It's a strategic investment towards maintaining organizational integrity and peace.

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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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