Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Hershey, NE

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains long-term biochemical markers of alcohol and drugs within the fibers of developing hair strands. When cut near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to approximately three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is easy, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches in length and encompassing roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for analysis. For EtG, additional exams, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair is not available, a corresponding quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Summary

The four essential phases in the laboratory processing of a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the initial entry of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This process involves checking that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid test for identifying abuse drugs. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be acceptable in legal proceedings. Samples that presumptively test positive in Screening require further confirmation.

If a specimen is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (ex. urine or oral fluid), which highlights why hair drug assessment is the most challenging method to execute.

Verification of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as required. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Sustained detection timeframe: Hair drug assessments can reveal drug consumption for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a reduced detection timeframe.
• Difficulty in falsification: It is extremely challenging to falsify a hair drug test, thus augmenting result accuracy.
• Offers historical information: It provides a timeline of drug use over a duration, not just recent ingestion.

Drawbacks:

• Unable to identify recent use: Drugs take approximately 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Cost concerns: Hair drug tests are typically more costly compared to alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result discrepancies: Variables such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why does hair follicle testing outshine urine testing in Hershey, NE? It's simple.

• Accuracy: Hair tests provide unmatched reliability, ensuring past habit detection.
• Detection Range: They can trace drug use over a more extended period than urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

In Hershey, NE, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing plays a crucial role.

• Comprehensive History: With a detection span reaching up to 90 days, it provides a thorough review of an individual’s substance use.
• Long-term Insight: Aiding employers in understanding applicant behavior over time, these tests enhance hiring accuracy.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Hershey, NE, reduce the risk of sample tampering with hair follicle tests.

• Reliability: Their design makes sample adulteration difficult.
• Unquestionable Results: Employers can count on reliable and trustworthy outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Enjoy the convenience of widespread testing centers from Hershey, NE.

• Nationwide Reach: With centers across the country, accessing tests is seamless.
• Local Access: Numerous nearby locations ensure testing services are always within reach.

Simple, Confidential Process

Experience a simple, confidential testing process in Hershey, NE.

• Ease of Use: Straightforward procedures for scheduling and obtaining results.
• Privacy Assurance: Guaranteed confidentiality throughout the testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive pricing and rapid results are key in Hershey, NE.

• Cost-effectiveness: Affordable pricing structures for every budget size.
• Quick Turnaround: Fast processing times mean less waiting for critical results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled. In Hershey, NE, these tests are celebrated for their ability to deliver accurate detection of substance use.

• Precision: Recognized for identifying a range of substances without error.
• Efficiency: Results are processed swiftly, supporting urgent decision-making needs.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug policies in Hershey, NE.

• Legal Compliance: Reduces risks associated with breaching regulations.
• Safety Assurance: Enhances workplace security by promoting a drug-free environment.

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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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