Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Ericson, NE

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, it can provide a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

An ideal sample for both screening and confirmation is a 1.5-inch section consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil), yielding 100mg of hair. For tests such as EtG, additional panels, or tests greater than ten panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other hair types, such as facial and axillary.

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

In Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid check for substances of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result in Screening needs confirmation to be valid in legal settings. A confirmatory step is necessary for any samples that are presumptive positives.

During the Screening stage, if a sample appears positive, extra hair is drawn from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation for any presumptive positive result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Needed samples are washed before confirmation. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use extending up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection timeframe.
• Resistance to tampering: It's notably challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, enhancing its accuracy.
• Historical usage insights: It offers a pattern of drug consumption over time, rather than only recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair about 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests are costlier compared to other drug testing options.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: The test, often called a "hair follicle test," specifically examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair testing in Ericson, NE, offers distinct advantages over urine testing. Hair follicle tests provide superior detection capabilities, highlighting substance use over a longer span. While urine tests are common, hair tests deliver more reliable and accurate results. The hair's ability to hold drug indicators longer ensures a comprehensive assessment of an individual's history, making it a powerful tool.

• Extended detection window
• Greater accuracy

Extended Detection Window

Ericson, NE, benefits from hair follicle tests' extended detection period, tracking drug use for up to 90 days. This method gives employers a thorough insight into an applicant's or employee's past substance use, which is unmatched by other testing types. With this long detection window, organizations can ensure a drug-free environment.

• Comprehensive history
• Longer detection

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Ericson, NE, diminishes the risk of sample tampering considerably. The method's design prevents adulteration, ensuring results remain reliable and indisputable. This type of testing guarantees accuracy, making it the preferred choice for organizations enhancing their screening processes.

• Reduced tampering risk
• Unquestionable results

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Ericson, NE, our vast network of testing centers ensures easy access to hair follicle tests. With facilities nationwide, clients benefit from quick, hassle-free service. This wide reach guarantees that whether local or nationwide, testing is accessible and convenient, catering to all clients' needs.

• Convenient locations
• Easy access

Simple, Confidential Process

In Ericson, NE, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering tests, taking them, and receiving results is streamlined to maintain privacy and ease. This ensures clients feel secure and comfortable throughout, knowing their data and the process are managed discreetly.

• Confidential process
• Easy handling

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Ericson, NE, offers hair follicle drug testing at competitive prices with swift turnaround times. Companies receive excellent value with affordable pricing, ensuring budget constraints are met without sacrificing on quality. The quick processing and delivery of results provide both cost-efficiency and peace of mind.

• Budget-friendly
• Fast results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Ericson, NE, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering rapid, accurate results. These tests stand out due to their precision, pinpointing even minute traces of substances. The speed at which results are returned doesn't compromise their accuracy. Hair testing excels in identifying substance use, ensuring reliability and timely results, which are crucial for decision-making in various domains.

• High precision
• Rapid results

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Using hair follicle testing in Ericson, NE, aids employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method minimizes legal risks and promotes a safe work environment. Adopting such reliable tests brings peace of mind, ensuring organizations uphold safety standards and meet regulatory requirements.

• Ensures compliance
• Enhances safety

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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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