Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Brock, NE

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now viewed as an effective method for detecting substance use. Hair captures a lengthy record of substance intake by embedding biomarkers in its fibers. When cut near the scalp, hair offers an observation period of nearly 90 days for various substances. Collecting hair samples is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient for shipping.

A 1.5-inch hair portion, consisting of around 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) next to the scalp provides 100mg, optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG, inclusive tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weight measurement is recommended. If scalp hair can't be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. The term head hair refers solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of drug test results is comprised of four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the sample's initial introduction into the lab’s system. This procedure ensures the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data input not available through electronic chain of custody systems.

Screening performs a preliminary check for illicit substances. Although Screening economically eliminates probable drug use in many samples, any positive result must be confirmed to hold legal validity. Samples testing positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the main sample and prepped for Extraction. At this point, drugs are removed from hair at much lower levels compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), positioning hair analysis as a complex testing method.

Confirmation of all positive screens is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives undergo cleaning before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliant with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can identify drug intake up to 90 days, while urine tests exhibit a shorter period.
• Difficulty in deceit: Cheating a hair test is quite challenging, ensuring the reliability of results.
• Shows usage trends: It outlines substance use over an interval, beyond recent intake.

Limitations:

• Not effective for recent intake: Drugs manifest in hair approximately 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Pricing: Hair tests typically incur higher costs versus alternative methods.
• Result variability: Drug metabolite levels can be influenced by hair color and personal growth differences.

Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is commonly used; however, the analysis targets the hair strand only, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Brock, NE, offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. The primary benefit lies in its extended detection range, which can reveal drug use up to 90 days prior, ensuring a comprehensive assessment. Its enhanced accuracy and reliability make it a preferred method for employers keen on maintaining strict drug-free environments.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing is noteworthy for its ability to detect drug use over an extended period in Brock, NE. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests can track substance use for as long as 90 days. This long detection window provides employers a detailed understanding of an individual's substance history, aiding in making informed employment decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The integrity of hair follicle testing in Brock, NE, is unmatched when seen in the light of sample tampering risks. This testing method makes it challenging to alter or tamper with samples. Its robust process delivers trustworthy results that stand up to scrutiny, cementing confidence in testing accuracy.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With conveniently located testing centers in Brock, NE, and beyond, hair follicle drug testing becomes accessible without hassle. Our extensive network ensures that individuals and companies enjoy prompt and efficient testing services, making the process seamless and trouble-free.

Simple, Confidential Process

The simplicity and confidentiality of hair follicle testing in Brock, NE, make the process user-friendly. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to respect user privacy and ensure ease, thus alleviating any concerns regarding personal data handling and testing procedures.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive pricing and quick result turnaround times characterize our hair follicle testing services in Brock, NE. These factors offer substantial value to companies, large or small, ensuring they receive comprehensive testing without straining their budgets or prolonging decision-making timelines.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The reliability of hair follicle tests ensures they provide rapid and precise results in Brock, NE. Their high accuracy in identifying recent substance use surpasses other methods. With swift processing times, these tests facilitate informed decision-making for employers and authorities, lending credibility to testing outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Brock, NE, find compliance easy when utilizing hair follicle testing. Designed to support drug-free workplace policies, these tests reduce legal dilemmas and nurture a safer working environment. Such testing enhances employer confidence by reinforcing adherence to established drug policies.

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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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