Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Upland, NE

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the hair strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window extending up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, will yield 100mg, the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is preferred. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug test analysis in the lab consists of four crucial steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves initially entering the sample into the lab's system. This step includes confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any further data not provided by an electronic custody chain system.

Screening provides a preliminary inspection for drugs of abuse. While this is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive result must be authenticated to stand in court. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening require further confirmation.

If a sample is presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is pulled from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is one of the most intricate methodologies.

Any positive screening result undergoes Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positives are washed as necessary before confirmation. The complete laboratory practice from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can discern drug use up to 90 days, while urine tests show a shorter detection span.
• Hard to manipulate: The likelihood of cheating a hair drug test is minimal, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical data provision: It offers a usage pattern over time, not limited to recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs typically require 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing usually costs more compared to alternative methods.
• Result variability: Drug metabolite concentrations in hair can be influenced by hair color and individual growth differences.

Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", these tests assess the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing is a superior option over urine tests in Upland, NE. Unlike urine tests, hair tests offer a greater detection accuracy and can trace drug use over an extended period. As opposed to standard urine testing, hair testing provides a clear, reliable indication of long-term substance use. This allows employers to adhere to stringent no-drug policies, benefitting from more decisive results.
Benefits of Hair Tests:

• Extended detection period
• Reduced risk of tampering
• Comprehensive test results

Extended Detection Window

In Upland, NE, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing makes it invaluable. Capable of revealing substance use over up to 90 days, this testing method delivers a wide-ranging view of an individual's drug history. Employers benefit from insights into patterns of use, facilitating informed decisions about potential and current employees.
Why Choose Hair Testing:

• Enhanced detection period
• Broad substance history overview
• Better informed hiring decisions

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Upland, NE, offers a tamper-resistant approach to drug screening. By greatly minimizing the likelihood of sample adulteration, this method provides conclusive results. Its secure collection process eliminates the risks associated with tampering, securing data integrity.
Key Features:

• Tamper-proof samples
• Secure collection methods
• Reliable and conclusive results

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Upland, NE, testing convenience is enhanced by our nationwide centers, offering seamless access to drug testing services. With numerous locations, individuals can experience hassle-free testing processes, ensuring quick results. Local centers further add to the ease of testing, reinforcing our commitment to accessibility.
Service Highlights:

• Wide coverage
• Local testing sites
• Easy access

Simple, Confidential Process

The testing process in Upland, NE is simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease for individuals. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are streamlined for user assurance. This straightforward approach respects client confidentiality, fostering trust and reliability in the service.
Simplified Process:

• Effortless ordering
• Confidential reporting
• User-friendly procedures

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Upland, NE, the affordability and fast turnaround of hair follicle testing offer exceptional value. Companies benefit from competitive pricing and efficient processing, ensuring both financial and operational advantages. Quick results support swift decision-making and cost-effective drug screening practices.
Testing Benefits:

• Competitive pricing
• Fast turnaround
• Value for businesses

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Upland, NE, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed. These tests are efficient in providing accurate detection of substances, ensuring prompt results. The method stands out for its high level of accuracy, making it a preferred choice for many organizations seeking reliable testing solutions. Hair tests swiftly identify drug use, supporting quick decision-making.
Advantages:

• Fast processing time
• High accuracy
• Comprehensive analysis

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Upland, NE gain peace of mind and compliance with workplace drug-free policies through hair follicle testing. This method helps in reducing legal risks and maintaining a safer work environment. The testing supports organizational policies, ensuring adherence to strict regulations and enhancing the overall safety.
Employer Benefits:

• Ensured compliance
• Legal risk reduction
• 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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