Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Barrington, NJ

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has become recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol intake. Hair can retain a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs due to the entrapment of biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection span for alcohol and other substances. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) located nearest the scalp ensures a 100mg hair sample, optimal for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning signifies the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This phase verifies the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening constitutes an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use on most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for it to stand in court. Samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

If a sample appears tentatively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity undergo a wash before confirmation, as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a briefer detection period.
• Hard to evade: Cheating a hair drug test is highly challenging, enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Provides usage history: It reveals a trend of drug consumption over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent use: It generally requires 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Costly: Hair drug tests are often more expensive compared to other drug testing methodologies.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth impact the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the assessment itself focuses on analyzing the hair strand and not the hair follicle located beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Barrington, NJ

• Hair testing surpasses urine tests by offering a broader detection window.
• Employers prefer it for its nearly con-resistant nature, providing trustworthy results.
• This method also has a longer history detection, enhancing the screening process's reliability.
• For those implementing strict drug policies, hair tests offer greater accuracy over conventional urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Barrington, NJ

• The ability to trace substance use over 90 days is a key strength of hair follicle tests.
• Employers gain a deeper understanding of an individual's substance history.
• This extended detection period allows a comprehensive evaluation of an applicant or employee's past drug use.
• Offering a longer timeframe, hair tests supplement screening robustness.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Barrington, NJ

• Hair follicle tests greatly minimize the chances of sample manipulation.
• They provide dependable and indisputable outcomes with reduced tampering risks.
• Its non-intrusive collection process enhances security against adulteration attempts.
• Employing hair testing assures integrity in drug screening.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Barrington, NJ

• Our extensive network of testing centers ensures rapid access to services.
• From Barrington to urban hubs, we offer hassle-free testing solutions.
• Nationwide availability means streamlined service experiences wherever you are.
• Easy accessibility empowers entities with efficient test processes.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Barrington, NJ

• Ordering, participating, and receiving results are straightforward and secure.
• Addressing privacy is core, ensuring participants are assured of confidentiality.
• The efficient process caters to ease of use and protects personal data.
• A stress-free approach translates to confidence in the testing procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Barrington, NJ

• Competitive pricing structures guarantee value for businesses of different scales.
• Our rapid turnaround ensures enterprises receive results swiftly.
• This economic approach supports organizations without compromising quality.
• Invest in reliable drug testing solutions with industry-leading affordability.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Barrington, NJ

• Hair follicle tests are renowned for their precision and speed in detecting substance use.
• These tests offer a high level of accuracy, ensuring dependable outcomes for employers and individuals alike.
• Unlike traditional methods, hair testing reduces the likelihood of false negatives or positives, promoting a more reliable drug screening process.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Barrington, NJ

• The adoption of hair testing aligns with workplace drug-free mandates.
• It mitigates legal challenges, fostering a safer work environment.
• Employers benefit from reassurance, knowing that their policies are effectively upheld.
• Balancing legal adherence and employee safety is seamless using hair follicle testing.

Drug Testing Near Barrington, NJ

Ashland, NJ

Mount Ephraim, NJ

Bellmawr, NJ

Somerdale, NJ

Haddonfield, NJ

Audubon, NJ

Glendora, NJ

Tavistock, NJ

Lawnside, NJ

Haddon Heights, NJ

Runnemede, 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.

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