Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Glen, NH

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a chronological record of alcohol and drug use by retaining biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over an approximate 3-month period. It is easy to collect, resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil), provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and verification. For tests involving EtG, additional tests, and panels beyond 10, 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale is advised for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable amount of body hair may be obtained. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process encompasses ensuring the sample was securely sealed and transported, the assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any extra data entry not provided by electronic systems.

Screening involves a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for court acceptance. Samples initially testing positive in Screening need further validation.

In cases of presumptive positive results during Screening, additional hair is collected from the initial sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), which makes hair drug screening one of the most complex methodologies.

Confirmation for any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under 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 trace drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection timeframe.
• Challenge to falsify: Tampering with a hair drug test is challenging, thus the results are more reliable.
• Supply historical insight: It reflects a pattern of drug use over time, not merely recent drug use.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent usage: Drugs take roughly 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests often cost more than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand rather than the root below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Glen, NH, hair follicle tests surpass urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy.
Hair tests provide a more comprehensive picture of substance use, capturing a longer detection period.

This enhanced detection window enables employers to better assess an individual's drug history, ensuring workplace safety and adherence to policies.

Extended Detection Window

The hair follicle testing method dominates in Glen, NH, owing to its ability to detect drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days.

This extensive detection window grants employers a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance usage history, pivotal for making informed employment decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle drug testing in Glen, NH is renowned for its tamper-resistant qualities.

This robust testing process minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, supplying results that are both reliable and unquestionable.

Employers benefit from the confidence and peace of mind that comes with tamper-resistant testing methods.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Testing is hassle-free in Glen, NH, with convenient locations nationwide.

Accredited Drug Testing ensures quick and easy access to testing services, enhancing convenience and efficiency for all clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Glen, NH, the process remains streamlined and confidential from ordering to receiving results.

This simplicity ensures that privacy concerns are addressed, fostering confidence and ease for all clients.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing and swift processing in Glen, NH, we deliver excellent value and assurance to businesses.

Our affordable solutions cater to companies of various sizes, ensuring quick turnaround and peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug testing in Glen, NH offers precise and swift results, providing clarity and accuracy in identifying substance use.

The method stands out for its ability to furnish reliable, quick insights, essential for informed decision-making.

Employers and individuals benefit from a dependable testing process, ensuring rapid and accurate detection of substances.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Glen, NH, implementing hair follicle testing provides employers with the assurance of upholding workplace drug policies.

This stringent testing method helps mitigate legal issues, bolstering workplace safety and compliance.

Drug Testing Near Glen, NH

Lancaster, NH

Littleton, NH

Melvin Village, NH

Whitefield, NH

Bethlehem, NH

North Woodstock, NH

Berlin, NH

Center Ossipee, NH

Center Sandwich, NH

Lincoln, NH

Twin Mountain, NH

Gorham, NH

Conway, NH

Bartlett, NH

North Conway, NH

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews