Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Saronville, NE

What it is, How it works

Hair evaluation has evolved into an influential method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer up to roughly a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimum amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair mean only scalp hair. Body hair indicates every other hair type (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab processing of a drug test outcome involves four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a specimen into a lab’s system. This encompasses the confirmation that the sample was adequately sealed and dispatched, the attribution of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid examination for drugs of concern. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to discount drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to hold up in legal settings. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and set for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are withdrawn from hair at a much lower concentration than alternative procedures (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus hair drug testing is the most sophisticated methodology to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screening is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation when necessary. The whole lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug assessments can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a more limited window.
• Hard to bypass: Cheating a hair drug test is notably challenging, enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: It gives a pattern of substance use over time, beyond just recent use.

Limitations:

• Can't trace recent consumption: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to be detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug evaluations are usually more costly than other testing approaches.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Despite being often termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Superior Detection: Hair Vs. Urine
In Saronville, NE, hair follicle tests offer undeniable benefits over traditional urine tests. Iterating superior detection capabilities, hair testing captures a longer history of substance use. Unlike urine tests, which are limited in scope, hair testing provides employers with a robust and reliable analysis.

• Extended detection times
• Higher reliability and accuracy

Extended Detection Window

Vast Detection Timeline
Hair follicle tests in Saronville, NE, offer an extended look at drug use history, lasting up to 90 days. This lengthier observation is crucial for employers seeking comprehensive insight into an individual's substance habits. Employers gain a full overview of potential hires or current employees.

• Long detection duration
• Comprehensive analysis of substance use

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Ensuring Test Integrity
Located in Saronville, NE, hair follicle testing is a dura-proof technique against manipulation. The test's design minimizes chances of tampering, guaranteeing honesty in results. This reliability is critical for maintaining trust and accountability.

• Reduced risk of sample tampering
• Unquestionable test outcomes

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Testing Convenience Nationwide
Saronville, NE boasts convenient access to our nationwide drug testing centers. Employers and individuals enjoy easy, efficient access to hair follicle testing services. With our widespread coverage, testing has never been more straightforward.

• Nationwide test center networks
• Easy access for everyone

Simple, Confidential Process

Effortless & Confidential Process
In Saronville, NE, ordering and receiving hair follicle test results is a straightforward and private affair. We ensure discretion throughout, addressing any privacy concerns and simplifying the steps from initiation to completion.

• Streamlined testing processes
• Confidential handling of personal data

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive Pricing Structures
Saronville, NE benefits from our budget-friendly pricing and swift result turnaround. Our hair follicle tests provide valuable insights without breaking the bank, making them accessible for companies big or small.

• Budget-conscious pricing
• Fast and reliable test results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Swift Precision in Testing
In Saronville, NE, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their speed and accuracy. Their ability to precisely identify substances surpasses other testing methods. Employers trust this method for its rapid turnaround, ensuring that the detection of substance use is handled efficiently and reliably.

• Quick results for timely decision-making
• Enhanced accuracy in substance detection

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employer Assurance
In Saronville, NE, hair follicle drug tests stand as the benchmark for ensuring a drug-free workplace. Helping employers monitor compliance, these tests limit legal risks and bolster workplace safety. Peace of mind is paramount, ensuring the integrity of the professional environment.

• Compliance with drug-free policies
• Enhanced workplace 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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