Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Alloway, NJ

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers an extensive timeline of drug and alcohol consumption by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can give a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch portion of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair specimen is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning includes the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab's system. This process confirms the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening efficiently eliminates drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be legally valid. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.

If a sample is preliminarily positive during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to perform.

Verification of any positive screening result is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug consumption for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a reduced detection period.
• Challenging to falsify: Manipulating a hair drug test is notably difficult, enhancing the accuracy of the results.
• Charts historical usage: It can reveal a trend of drug consumption over time, beyond just recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent consumption: It requires about 5-7 days before drugs are traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other drug testing techniques.
• Inconsistent results: Variables such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the level of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Though often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Alloway, NJ
Hair testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests, including enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. This testing method proves more adept at identifying long-term drug use, providing a clearer picture than urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Alloway, NJ
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over a prolonged period, up to 90 days. This extended window allows for an in-depth understanding of an individual’s substance history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Alloway, NJ
Hair follicle tests are notably resilient to tampering, ensuring reliable and unquestionable outcomes. This method significantly diminishes the chance of sample adulteration, safeguarding the integrity of the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Alloway, NJ
Our extensive network of testing centers across the country ensures seamless access to testing services. This widespread availability guarantees a quick, easy, and hassle-free experience for all clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Alloway, NJ
We offer a straightforward and confidential procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving test results. Our process is designed to prioritize privacy and ease, addressing any concerns clients may have.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Alloway, NJ
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times deliver exceptional value, assuring peace of mind for businesses of various sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Alloway, NJ
Hair follicle drug tests excel in precision and rapidity, providing dependable detection of substance use. Their high accuracy makes them an invaluable tool for both employers and individuals seeking definitive results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Alloway, NJ
Employers utilizing hair follicle testing benefit from enhanced compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks, and promoting a safer work environment.

Drug Testing Near Alloway, NJ

Deepwater, NJ

Pennsville, NJ

Auburn, NJ

Glenside, NJ

Olivet, NJ

Elmer, NJ

Seabrook Farms, NJ

Shiloh, NJ

Marshalltown, NJ

Hancocks Bridge, NJ

Salem, NJ

Sharptown, NJ

Woodstown, NJ

Fenwick, NJ

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