Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Carlson, NE

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month detection range for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or any screenings beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab analysis of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the initial processing of a sample into the lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not included by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary check for drug use. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples that show a preliminary positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation.

If a sample shows a preliminary positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this process, drugs are taken from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.

Any positive screening result undergoes Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples are washed before confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair label and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection range: Hair drug tests can show drug usage for up to 90 days, while urine tests have a shorter range.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is difficult, ensuring results are more accurate.
• Shows historical data: It can exhibit a pattern of drug use over a duration, not only recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Does not show recent use: Drugs take about 5-7 days to be detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Aspects like hair color and individual growth variations can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing offers clear advantages over traditional urine testing in Carlson, NE.Accuracy and reliability define hair testing as superior.
Its expansive detection span exceeds that of urine tests, making it the go-to choice.

• Longer detection window: up to 90 days.
• Engendering greater trust in results.

Given the benefits of hair testing over urine in Carlson, NE, it's no surprise employers favor it.Unmatched accuracy and trust elevate hair follicle tests.

• Substantially longer detection durations.
• Reduced likelihood of cheating.

Extended Detection Window

In Carlson, NE, hair follicle testing is unparalleled in its< b >capacity for extended detection periods < /b>. Allowing a review of up to 90 days, this method providescomprehensive substance history of individuals.
Employers gain invaluable insights into candidates and employees.

• Covers an extensive 90-day span.
• More thorough than most drug tests.

Emphasizing itsextended detection window, hair follicle testing stands out in Carlson, NE.
The method encompasses a substantial timeline, capturing prolonged substance use histories.

• Detailed view of drug-use patterns.
• Effective for both applicants and current staff.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Thetamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Carlson, NE, ensures unquestionable results.
The difficulty in adulterating these samples significantly boosts their reliability.

• Minimal risk of sample tampering.
• Strict collection protocols enforce authenticity.

In Carlson, NE, hair follicle testing sets the bar with itstamper-resistant approach.
Thanks to meticulous sample collection, results remain authentic and dependable.

• Negligible chances of sample adulteration.
• Secure and precise testing methods.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Carlson, NE residents enjoyconvenient access to our testing services thanks to nationwide locations.
Ease and efficiency define our network, ensuring no delays or hassles at local centers.

• Broad network for convenient testing.
• Locations nationwide for widespread accessibility.

Withlocal Carlson, NE testing sites amid a vast network, ease of access is assured.
Our integrated nationwide presence means stress-free and swift drug tests.

• Seamlessly accessible testing centers.
• Multiple locations minimize travel time.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Carlson, NE, the hair follicle testing process is bothsimple and confidential.
Our streamlined steps ensure privacy and ease from ordering to receiving results.

• Transparent, user-friendly procedures.
• Protects individual privacy rigorously.

Confidential and straightforward, the hair follicle testing in Carlson, NE prioritizes ease of use.
From test ordering to result acquisition, enjoy a process built for user assurance.

• Secure handling of all private data.
• Simple steps ensuring clarity throughout.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Carlson, NE, hair follicle testing deliversaffordable prices and quick results.
Competitive pricing ensures value while providing peace of mind without breaking the budget.

• Cost-effective solutions for employers.
• Rapid result turnaround times.

Offeringexcellent value, our hair follicle testing in Carlson, NE is competitively priced.
Fast turnaround times paired with pricing affordability make it invaluable for businesses.

• Ideal for companies of every size.
• Faster results at lower costs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Carlson, NE, hair follicle drug tests are synonymous with speed, precision, and reliability.Hair tests stand out for their accuracy, ensuring substance use detection is flawless.
Employers and healthcare professionals trust these tests for swift results.

• High precision in detecting substances.
• Quick processing times for faster decision-making.

Precision and rapid turnaround define hair follicle drug testing in Carlson, NE. This method not only offershigh accuracy in substance detection but also delivers results efficiently.

• Users benefit from quicker results.
• Health officials rely on its consistent accuracy.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Carlson, NE, hair follicle testing offers compliance with drug-free workplace policies, ensuring peace of mind.
Beyond policy adherence, it significantly reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety.

• Bolsters organizational safety measures.
• Mitigates potential legal challenges.

In Carlson, NE, adopting hair follicle tests guarantees employerspeace of mind. Compliance with workplace standards and improved safety are pivotal benefits.

• Supports drug-free workplace initiatives.
• Acts as a legal safeguard for companies.

Drug Testing Near Carlson, NE

Lyman, NE

Bridgeport, NE

Harrisburg, NE

Redington, NE

Mitchell, NE

Perrin, NE

Bayard, NE

Haig, NE

McGrew, NE

Mintle, NE

Gering, NE

Terrytown, NE

Scottsbluff, NE

Melbeta, NE

Minatare, NE

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews