Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Moorefield, NE

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers during growth, offering a comprehensive history of drug and alcohol intake. When sampled near the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol usage for up to three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and effortless to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hairs (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the head provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It’s suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is unavailable, a corresponding amount of body hair is suitable. The term "head hair" specifically means scalp hair, whereas "body hair" comprises all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary steps in lab processing of drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the entry of a sample into a lab’s system. This covers verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary review for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an efficient cost-saving method for most samples to exclude drug use, a positive result must be confirmed for court acceptance. Samples presumptively positive in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.

Should a sample test positive in the Screening phase, extra hair from the original sample is extracted for the Extraction phase. Drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methods to execute.

Verification of any positive screening is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process is monitored under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a reduced timeframe.
• Challenging to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is quite difficult, enhancing result reliability.
• Historical data provision: It offers a timeline of drug usage over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of recent use detection: Drugs become detectable in hair only after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although often dubbed "hair follicle tests," the test itself evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Moorefield, NE
Hair follicle testing is a more advanced method compared to urine testing when identifying substance use. Its superior detection accuracy and longer detection window make it especially reliable. While urine tests reflect recent drug use, hair follicle tests offer a comprehensive history, making them invaluable for situations requiring a detailed overview of drug consumption.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Moorefield, NE
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing, reaching up to 90 days, offers a detailed analysis of an individual's substance use over time. This allows employers in Moorefield, NE, to gain substantial insights into an employee's or applicant's drug history, providing an extensive perspective on their reliability and decision-making over a significant period.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Moorefield, NE
Hair follicle testing is a robust, tamper-resistant method, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This test's design ensures that results are reliable and undeniable, providing a trustworthy basis for assessments. In Moorefield, NE, this reliability is crucial for organizations seeking conclusive drug testing results without the possibility of manipulation.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Moorefield, NE
Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers offers convenience in Moorefield, NE. These easily accessible locations assure that testing is quick and effortless, making the process hassle-free. This availability ensures individuals and businesses can efficiently conduct required testing without the inconvenience of distant or limited options.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Moorefield, NE
The procedure for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential in Moorefield, NE. From ordering the test to receiving the results, our process ensures privacy and ease, addressing any concerns about confidentiality and user-friendliness. This makes hair testing not only a reliable choice but also a straightforward one to navigate.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Moorefield, NE
Our competitive pricing and prompt turnaround times in Moorefield, NE, are designed to offer great value, ensuring businesses of all sizes can benefit. By balancing cost-effectiveness with quick result delivery, we provide a valuable service that meets the financial and operational needs of diverse organizations looking for reliable drug testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Moorefield, NE
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their quick and precise results. The methodology ensures highly accurate identification of substances, allowing for confident decision-making. This accuracy and speed make these tests a preferred choice in Moorefield, NE, whether for employment screenings or legal reasons, assuring timely and trustworthy outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Moorefield, NE
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Moorefield, NE. This testing method decreases legal risks and enhances workplace safety by offering definitive proof of compliance, thus delivering peace of mind to employers and maintaining a secure and safe work environment for all employees.

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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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