Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Oakland, NE

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a timeline of alcohol and drug intake by embedding markers within the shaft of the growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month window for detecting substances and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to send.

A hair sample of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for testing and verification. For EtG, supplementary testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, the same quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other kinds (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary phases in lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step of entering a sample into a lab's system. This involves checking that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive screening must be verified to be valid in legal settings. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.

If a sample is indicated as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for preparation in Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from the hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair substance screening is the most complex methodology to execute.

Verification of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suggesting presumed positivity are cleansed before verification as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Verification is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 guidelines.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal substance use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection span.
• Challenging to manipulate: Manipulating a hair drug test is considerably difficult, thereby enhancing result accuracy.
• Chronological data provision: It can illustrate a timeline of substance use over a period, and not just recent activities.

Limitations:

• Incapable of identifying recent use: It requires around 5-7 days for substances to become noticeable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result inconsistency: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the level of drug byproducts in the hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oakland, NE

Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Oakland, NE offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a broader detection window and cannot be easily tampered with, making them a preferred choice for employers and officials who strive for rigorous substance use screening.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Oakland, NE

Hair follicle tests in Oakland, NE can detect drug use over an extended period, often up to 90 days. This capability provides employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, aiding in informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oakland, NE

In Oakland, NE, hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering. Its robust collection process ensures that results remain reliable and dispute-free, providing employers with unquestionable drug use evidence.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oakland, NE

Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers guarantees ease and convenience, with accessible locations including Oakland, NE. This vast reach ensures hassle-free access to testing services whenever and wherever needed.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Oakland, NE

The process for ordering and receiving hair follicle test results in Oakland, NE is both simple and confidential. From start to finish, users can trust in the secure handling of personal information, ensuring privacy and ease of use.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oakland, NE

Offering competitive pricing coupled with quick turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Oakland, NE delivers excellent value. Companies benefit from cost-effective solutions and rapid results, ensuring timely and efficient drug use screening.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oakland, NE

In Oakland, NE, hair follicle drug tests provide unmatched accuracy and speed. With their ability to detect a wide range of substances, these tests ensure quick and precise identification of drug use. The robust nature of hair testing makes it a trusted method for employers seeking reliable and timely results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oakland, NE

By opting for hair follicle testing, employers in Oakland, NE can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This choice minimizes legal risks and enhances safety, providing peace of mind for employers concerned about substance use in their operations.

Drug Testing Near Oakland, NE

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Craig, NE

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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