Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Berwyn, NE

What it is, How it works

Hair assessments are now regarded as an effective means for spotting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged chronology of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the emerging hair shaft. When sourced nearby the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A segment of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is suggested for measuring the specimen’s weight. Should scalp hair not be present, a similar quantity of body hair can be taken. References to head hair exclusively indicate scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary steps in the laboratory assessment of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This process includes confirming the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any other data entry not already covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Even though Screening presents a budget-friendly approach to dismiss drug usage for the majority of samples, a favorable screen must be validated to be court-admissible. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.

Should a sample be tentatively positive at the Screening point, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. During this phase, substances are drawn from hair at a far lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is the reason hair drug analysis is the most challenging methodology to conduct.

Verification of a positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentative positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation if deemed necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation in accordance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug assessments can spot drug consumption for as much as 90 days, in contrast to urine tests which provide a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: It's extremely challenging to alter a hair drug assessment, thus enhancing result reliability.
• Supplies historical data: It can illustrate a pattern of drug consumption over a duration, not just recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot spot recent consumption: It takes around 5-7 days for substances to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments are typically pricier than alternate drug testing techniques.
• Result variations: Elements such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth may influence drug metabolite concentration within hair.

Note: Though frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the examination itself analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Berwyn, NE
The advantages of hair follicle testing, compared to traditional urine tests, include superior detection accuracy and unprecedented reliability. In Berwyn, NE, individuals seeking comprehensive insights into substance use often prefer hair tests due to their extensive detection window and resistance to manipulation.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Berwyn, NE
The most compelling attribute of hair follicle tests lies in their long detection period, capturing drug use over up to 90 days. For employers in Berwyn, NE, this extensive window offers an invaluable glimpse into an applicant or employee's past substance use, fostering informed and reliable hiring decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Berwyn, NE
Hair follicle testing drastically lowers the possibility of sample tampering, delivering credible and indisputable findings. In Berwyn, NE, organizations and individuals can trust these tests for their safeguard against sample adulteration, ensuring accurate results every time.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Berwyn, NE
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including those in Berwyn, NE, ensures clients have easy access to efficient and straightforward testing services. This nationwide reach guarantees any organization or individual gets timely and trouble-free testing experiences.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Berwyn, NE
The hair follicle testing process in Berwyn, NE, is user-friendly and confidential. From ordering to receiving the results, every step is designed to respect privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns regarding confidential handling and processing.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Berwyn, NE
We pride ourselves on competitive pricing and quick turnaround times in Berwyn, NE. Offering exceptional value, our services cater to companies of all sizes, promising affordable solutions without compromising on speed or accuracy.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Berwyn, NE
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift and precise results. Their accuracy in recognizing substance use is unmatched, ensuring that anyone needing a drug test in Berwyn, NE, receives high-quality outcomes. The combination of rapid processing and high reliability makes this testing method a top choice for various needs.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Berwyn, NE
Implementing hair follicle testing is crucial for maintaining workplace drug-free policies. This method not only ensures adherence but also reduces legal risks and boosts overall workplace safety, bringing peace of mind to employers throughout Berwyn, NE.

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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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