Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Dorchester, NE

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield about 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panel tests above 10, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise weighing of the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, the same quantity of body hair can be used. In the context of hair testing, "head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four cardinal stages in processing a drug test in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial intake of a sample into the lab's system. This involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening is a preliminary and swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen needs to be confirmed to hold up in legal settings. Samples that screen positively in this initial phase must undergo further confirmation.

Once a sample is flagged presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and subjected to Extraction. Here, drugs are drawn out from hair at a much lower concentration than in techniques like urine or oral fluid screening, making hair drug screening a complex task.

Any positives identified during screening are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples flagged as presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage over a span of up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter duration of urine tests.
• Difficulty to cheat: Manipulating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, thus ensuring more reliable outcomes.
• Provides historical data: It enables the detection of drug usage patterns over time, rather than merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs are only detectable in hair after 5-7 days.
• Cost: Hair drug testing is generally pricier compared to other testing methods.
• Variations in results: Elements such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the strand of hair and not the hair follicle itself.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Dorchester, NE, hair follicle testing is increasingly preferred over traditional urine tests. One significant advantage is the extended detection period. While urine tests are limited to recent drug exposure, hair tests offer insights into drug habits over months, providing a deeper understanding of an individual's substance use history.

Hair tests demonstrate superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, the hair follicle method is less susceptible to tampering, ensuring the integrity of the results. This makes it the go-to option for employers seeking a thorough and dependable drug testing method.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Dorchester, NE offers unparalleled insights into drug use history. This method can trace substance use up to 90 days, providing employers with a comprehensive view. This wide window means any recurring drug use is likely to be detected, making it immensely useful for long-term substance monitoring.

Employers benefit by gaining a clearer understanding of an applicant or employee's substance history, aiding in making informed decisions. By leveraging this prolonged detection period, organizations can maintain a drug-free work environment effectively.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Dorchester, NE is known for its tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. Unlike urine tests that can be manipulated, the hair testing method ensures authentic and unquestionable findings, protecting the integrity of the results.

This robustness is vital for employers looking to maintain stringent drug-free policies. The assurance of unaltered results provides peace of mind, knowing that the testing process is reliable and foolproof against deceptive practices.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accessibility to hair follicle testing services in Dorchester, NE is made effortless by our widespread testing locations. Accredited Drug Testing boasts nationwide centers, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. Regardless of your location, our facilities are readily available to cater to your testing needs.

Convenience is key, and our strategic placement of testing centers makes it easy for individuals and companies to access the services they require without delay. This approach guarantees efficiency and ease throughout the testing process.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Dorchester, NE, our process for hair follicle testing is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease of use, addressing common concerns effectively.

This simple approach ensures that all clients experience a smooth and stress-free testing journey. Whether it's individual testing or company-wide assessments, the confidentiality and simplicity of our process stand out as top priorities.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Dorchester, NE an appealing choice for businesses of all sizes. Accredited Drug Testing balances affordability with exceptional service quality, providing excellent value for both employers and individuals.

Fast results ensure that clients do not face unnecessary waiting periods, enhancing decision-making capabilities. This efficiency paired with cost-effective pricing underscores the commitment to delivering outstanding service that meets diverse client needs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

When it comes to precision and speed, hair follicle drug tests in Dorchester, NE stand out. They deliver highly accurate results, making them an indispensable tool for detecting substance use effectively. The swiftness of obtaining results ensures that employers and individuals can rely on quick and accurate assessments for their drug testing needs.

The efficiency of hair follicle testing does not compromise on reliability. The techniques used ensure that results are both fast and credible, providing assurance to all parties involved. This accuracy extends to numerous substances, making it a preferred choice for comprehensive testing.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Dorchester, NE can find peace of mind with hair follicle testing as it ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This testing method upholds rigorous standards, reducing legal risks associated with non-compliance. As a result, workplace safety is strengthened, fostering a secure environment for all employees.

By implementing hair follicle testing, organizations showcase a commitment to maintaining a responsible and safe work culture. This compliance not only mitigates legal challenges but also reassures employers of their protective measures.

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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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