Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Gorham, NH

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of exposure to alcohol and other substances by entrapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When hair is collected close to the scalp, it can provide up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to alter, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and/or more than 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen with a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, the reference is to scalp hair only. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four essential steps in laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Conformation.

Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's database. This step ensures the sample was securely sealed and properly shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody framework.

Screening provides an initial check for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be substantiated to be acceptable in legal proceedings. Any samples tentatively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.

If a sample is tentatively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All tentatively positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection timeframe.
• Resistance to tampering: Cheating a hair drug test is exceedingly difficult, leading to more precise results.
• Offers usage patterns: It can reveal a timeline of drug consumption over an extended period, not just recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs take around 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Variables such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the examination tests the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Gorham, NH, surpasses traditional urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities and reliability. Hair tests are able to detect drug use over an extended period, providing a more comprehensive assessment.

In comparison to urine tests, hair follicle testing offers enhanced accuracy and a longer detection window, making it a preferred choice for employers aiming for stringent substance use monitoring.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Gorham, NH, offers an extended detection period, often covering up to 90 days. This wide window allows employers to gain an in-depth understanding of an individual's substance use history, beyond short-term usage.

The advantage of a longer detection time is invaluable for making informed decisions regarding hiring and continued employment, ensuring a safer and more reliable workplace environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Gorham, NH, hair follicle tests are highly tamper-resistant, drastically minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. The integrity of these tests ensures employers receive dependable results, free from manipulation.

Hair testing's observed collection process plays a critical role in maintaining the authenticity and reliability of the sample, rendering the possibility of falsifying results nearly impossible.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Residents in Gorham, NH, and nationwide can access our testing services through conveniently located centers across the country. This extensive network ensures that testing is straightforward and accessible for all.

Our nationwide infrastructure ensures that hair follicle tests can be conducted quickly and easily, minimizing hassle and maximizing convenience for individuals and employers alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Gorham, NH, the process for hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential, prioritizing clients' privacy and ease. Ordering, taking tests, and receiving results are streamlined for maximum convenience.

This straightforward approach is crucial for maintaining confidentiality and aiding clients in comfortably navigating the testing protocol without stress or privacy concerns.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Gorham, NH, our competitive pricing and efficient turnaround times make hair follicle testing an accessible choice for businesses of all sizes, ensuring excellent value and peace of mind.

Affordability paired with fast result delivery ensures that companies receive high-quality testing services without the burden of excessive costs, aligning with their operational and financial goals.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Gorham, NH, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their swift and precise results, providing a high level of accuracy in detecting substance use. This efficient testing ensures that results are not just reliable but also prompt, aiding quick decision making.

The reliability of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched, ensuring that employers and organizations receive results that they can trust, reflecting a clear picture of an individual’s substance use history.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Gorham, NH, implementing hair follicle testing contributes to compliance with workplace drug-free policies, thereby offering peace of mind to employers concerned about legal risks and workplace safety.

Employers benefit from reduced liability and enhanced safety as hair testing provides a thorough review of past substance use, supporting policy enforcement and maintaining a secure work environment.

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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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