Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Davenport, NE

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair functions as a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

An ideal sample for screening and confirmation is a 1.5-inch piece of around 200 hair strands (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, which will yield 100mg of hair. For EtG, add-ons, and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equal quantity of body hair can be obtained. Head hair refers only to scalp hair, while body hair refers to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug test processing involves these four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial processing step of a sample in the lab's system. It involves confirming the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a quick initial check for drugs of abuse. While cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Presumptive positive samples in Screening require secondary confirmation.

In the event of a presumptive positive result at the Screening stage, additional hair is obtained from the original specimen for Extraction. This process involves extracting drugs from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to conduct.

Any positive screening result is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair tests can identify drug use up to 90 days back, whereas urine tests have a more limited detection period.
• Difficulty to cheat: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, resulting in more reliable findings.
• Provides historical data: It enables the identification of drug use patterns over time, not just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair only after around 5-7 days.
• Cost: Hair drug tests are typically pricier compared to other drug testing methods.
• Variations in results: Factors like hair color and growth variations can impact drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Davenport, NE
Hair testing offers superior detection capabilities compared to urine tests. With a longer detection window and a robust process, it provides greater accuracy and reliability for employers seeking a comprehensive overview of drug use.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Davenport, NE
Hair follicle testing reveals drug use over an extended period, often up to 90 days. This long detection window equips employers with more reliable data, presenting a detailed history of an individual's substance habits.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Davenport, NE
With hair follicle testing, the risk of sample adulteration is substantially minimized, ensuring results that are both dependable and beyond question, thereby enhancing trust in the drug testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Davenport, NE
Our extensive network of testing centers guarantees convenient access, making the process of getting tested swift and hassle-free, no matter where you are.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Davenport, NE
Our process is straightforward and ensures confidentiality at every step, from ordering the test to receiving results, addressing privacy concerns effectively while keeping the process clear and user-friendly.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Davenport, NE
We offer competitive pricing and rapid result delivery, providing exceptional value while accommodating the needs of businesses of all sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Davenport, NE
Hair follicle drug tests provide unparalleled precision and efficiency. Unlike traditional methods, they are highly accurate in detecting substance use, ensuring quick and reliable results that give employers confidence in their hiring decisions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Davenport, NE
Implementing hair follicle testing helps employers uphold drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and fostering a safe and compliant working environment.

Drug Testing Near Davenport, NE

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Bruning, NE

Deshler, NE

Ruskin, NE

Edgar, NE

Angus, NE

Shickley, NE

Oak, NE

Carleton, NE

Ong, 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.

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