Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Sparks, NE

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly viewed as an effective means to detect substance use involving drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a prolonged record of substance exposure by capturing biomarkers within the hair fiber strands as they grow. When hair is obtained near the scalp, it can provide up to a roughly 3-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) from nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG add-ons or those exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to use 150mg of the sample. We advise verifying the specimen weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent amount of any body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" references all other hair types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed in a lab’s system. This step confirms proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizes any additional data entry not already provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening constitutes an initial rapid assessment for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is an economical technique to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for court acceptability. Samples with presumptively positive results in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.

Samples that yield presumptive positive results in Screening undergo further hair extraction from the original sample. This preparation step Extracts drugs from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, presumptive positive samples are cleansed as deemed necessary. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is rigorously scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Drug use can be detected for up to 90 days with hair drug tests, whereas urine tests have a more limited detection window.
• Difficulty to cheat: It is notably challenging to deceive a hair drug test, increasing the accuracy of the results.
• Provides historical data: Hair testing offers insights into a pattern of drug usage over time, unlike tests that only show recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: It tends to take around 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Cost: Comparing with other drug testing methods, hair drug tests generally incur more cost.
• Variations in results: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Sparks, NE

When comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests, hair testing offers unparalleled detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which might only detect drugs used within a short period, hair tests reveal usage over a longer timeframe, eliminating gaps in detection and increasing reliability. This makes hair testing a superior option, ensuring accurate results when you need them most.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Sparks, NE

Hair follicle testing boasts an impressive ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This expanded window of detection offers employers insight into an individual’s substance history, far beyond the limited scope of alternative methods. This comprehensive approach helps in understanding applicants or employees better, supporting informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sparks, NE

One clear advantage of hair follicle tests is their resistance to tampering or adulteration. The collected sample remains protected from alterations, delivering reliable results that are hard to dispute. This tamper-resistant nature assures users of the integrity of the process, making it a preferred choice for secure and dependable testing outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Sparks, NE

With accredited testing centers spread nationwide, including in Sparks, NE, our services offer unparalleled convenience. Accessing drug testing is straightforward, with multiple locations ensuring the process is quick and hassle-free. Whether you're in a city or a small town, testing accessibility is a priority, reflecting our commitment to nationwide service coverage.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Sparks, NE

The hair follicle testing process is both straightforward and discreet, beginning from ordering to receiving results. Our services prioritize privacy and simplicity, addressing any concerns individuals might have. This seamless approach guarantees confidentiality and ease, easing any apprehensions about undergoing testing.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sparks, NE

Our competitive pricing structures and prompt turnaround times underscore the value we provide. Affordable testing doesn't mean compromising on speed or accuracy, making our services a valuable choice for businesses of any size. We deliver peace of mind through fiscal responsibility and efficient results delivery.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Sparks, NE, hair follicle drug tests stand out with their rapid and precise results. These tests are highly accurate, allowing for the detection of substances with exceptional reliability compared to other methods. Their efficiency contributes to fast results, making them a preferred choice for professionals who prioritize trustworthiness and speed in substance testing.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sparks, NE

Hair follicle testing not only ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies but also provides employers with reassurance and reduced liability risks. The robust nature of these tests maintains workplace safety, fulfilling regulatory obligations while fostering a secure environment, offering peace of mind that policies are upheld and compliance is guaranteed.

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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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