Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lowell, NE

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When cut close to the scalp, it can reveal up to a three-month timeline of drug and alcohol use. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively immune to tampering, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch section comprising around 200 hair strands (equivalent in diameter to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp will yield 100mg, the ideal sample size for initial testing and verification. For tests such as EtG and those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (including facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

There are four primary phases in processing a laboratory drug screen: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample is initially integrated into the lab's system. This step verifies the sample's sealing and shipping integrity, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and encompasses any necessary data input not captured by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening consists of an initial assessment for substances of abuse. Though cost-effective for eliminating drug usage in most cases, any positive findings through Screening must be confirmed to meet legal standards. Samples with presumptively positive outcomes in Screening require additional confirmation steps.

For samples that test positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and set aside for the Extraction phase. In this stage, substances are derived from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis one of the most complex procedures.

Confirmation for any positive screening findings is carried out with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples presumed positive undergo a cleaning process before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated based on both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug screens can reflect drug usage over approximately 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection span.
• High deterrence to cheating: It is notably challenging to deceive a hair drug test, leading to more reliable results.
• Delivers historical usage data: Offers a pattern of drug use over time, beyond just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs generally become detectable in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be costlier than alternative testing techniques.
• Variability in results: Aspects like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can impact the level of drug metabolites found in the hair.

Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing traditional urine tests to hair follicle testing in Lowell, NE, the latter emerges as superior because of its accuracy and reliability in drug detection. Hair tests offer an extensive detection window, making them far more efficient in identifying substance use. Unlike urine tests, hair testing minimizes false negatives and provides indisputable results, making it a preferred choice for many employers.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Lowell, NE, boasts an unmatched detection window, identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This extended period allows employers and organizations to obtain a holistic view of an individual's substance use history, offering a more comprehensive background check. By leveraging this expansive timeframe, businesses can make better-informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Lowell, NE, the resilience of hair follicle tests against tampering provides assurance to stakeholders expecting reliable outcomes. The nature of these tests significantly mitigates the potential for sample adulteration. This reinforces the authenticity of results, making them nearly indisputable, an essential factor for organizations aiming for high standards.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Lowell, NE, the accessibility of widespread testing centers simplifies the hair follicle testing process, providing stress-free testing services nationwide. This vast network ensures that scheduling and completing a drug test is quick and convenient, facilitating more efficient workforce management and timely completions.

Simple, Confidential Process

The straightforward, confidential method for handling hair follicle testing in Lowell, NE, reassures individuals about their privacy and ease of usage. The process from ordering to receiving results is seamless, ensuring participants do not encounter complications or concerns about discretion, bolstering confidence in the procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Lowell, NE, the competitive pricing of hair follicle testing is complemented by a speedy turnaround, offering excellent value for businesses of all sizes. This combination ensures that companies not only receive accurate results quickly but also benefit from cost-effective testing solutions, bringing peace of mind and financial relief.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Lowell, NE, hair follicle drug tests deliver incredibly reliable and prompt results, with an exceptional capability in identifying drug use. The unmatched precision offered by this testing method ensures that results are trustworthy and accurate. When individuals seek certainty regarding substance use, hair follicle testing consistently stands out for its effectiveness in delivering timely and definitive outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Lowell, NE, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, which guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method lowers legal exposure and enhances safety by presenting true drug use histories. By adopting hair testing, companies maintain compliance with policy requirements, fostering a safer work 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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