Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Woodland Hills, NE

What it is, How it works

Seen as a robust method, hair testing is instrumental in identifying alcohol and drug usage. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the fibrous structure of the growing strands. When taken near the scalp, it can offer an approximately three-month window of detection for alcohol and drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, considered optimal for screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests over 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, it denotes scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processes for drug test results encompass four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample into the laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial brief assessment for drugs of abuse. Screening, a cost-efficient method, quickly identifies non-drug users in most cases, but a positive screen must be validated to be usable in legal situations. Any samples with presumptive positive results from Screening necessitate further confirmation.

In cases of a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are isolated from the hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug screening as the most challenging technique to execute.

Positive Screening outcomes require Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Prior to confirmation, all presumptively positive samples undergo washing when necessary. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter timeframe for detection.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is significantly difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: This method can track a pattern of substance use across time, instead of just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Limited in detecting recent usage: Drugs only become discernible in hair approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs than other drug testing options.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and personal hair growth variations can impact drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the scalp-bound follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle and traditional urine tests in Woodland Hills, NE, hair testing stands superior. It offers unmatched detection accuracy and reliability. Urine tests, while common, often fall short in spotting long-term usage and are more vulnerable to tampering.

Hair testing captures a broader history of substance use, absent in urine analyses, making it a more reliable method for employers and institutions who prioritize stringent drug use policies.

Extended Detection Window

One standout feature of hair follicle testing in Woodland Hills, NE, is its extended detection window. Capable of spotting substance use up to 90 days prior, it offers employers a thorough view into an individual's drug history.

This comprehensive time frame allows for better-informed decisions, showcasing an applicant's or employee's historical substance use patterns. It's an invaluable tool for maintaining workplace integrity.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Woodland Hills, NE, significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering. Unlike other methods, these tests are intrinsically resistant to adulteration, ensuring trustworthy results.

By using a sample from new hair growth, the risk of manipulation is minimized. This tamper-resistant quality is crucial for obtaining precise and credible information about substance use.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Woodland Hills, NE, the convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's widespread center locations is unparalleled. Our national reach ensures easy and efficient access to testing services, eliminating hassle for clients.

With both local and nationwide availability, scheduling and attending tests is straightforward. This widespread network supports prompt processing of testing needs, ensuring seamless service for all clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

Ordering and conducting hair follicle tests in Woodland Hills, NE, is a simple, confidential process. Our streamlined approach addresses privacy concerns, ensuring ease of use.

From the moment of order to the reception of results, clients experience a straightforward and private journey. This simplicity fosters confidence and ease, reinforcing our commitment to client confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing in Woodland Hills, NE, offers competitive pricing and quick turnaround times. Our cost-effective structure ensures excellent value for businesses of all sizes.

Quick processing times and accessible pricing make our services not just affordable, but exceptionally beneficial for companies seeking impeccable testing solutions. Clients receive peace of mind knowing they receive top-tier service without exceeding budget constraints.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them a preferred choice in Woodland Hills, NE. Their accuracy in detecting drug use is unparalleled, providing results quickly and reliably. Unlike traditional tests, hair analysis minimizes false negatives and offers precise detection.

Employers rely on these tests for fast, dependable results. Hair follicle assessments report definitive findings, aiding in efficient decision-making. Their high accuracy and promptness are fundamental in ensuring safety and compliance.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Woodland Hills, NE, hair follicle testing offers employers peace of mind and ensures compliance with drug-free policies. The method reduces legal risks associated with substance abuse and enhances workplace safety.

By choosing hair testing, businesses adhere to industry standards, promoting a secure environment. It's an integral part of maintaining professional integrity and safeguarding operations from potential legal challenges.

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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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