Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Eldridge Park, NJ

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is regarded as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol usage. By embedding biomarkers in the strands of growing hair, it provides a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug use. When hair is cut near the scalp, it offers a drug and alcohol detection period of roughly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, fairly secure from tampering, and simple to transport.

Collecting a sample of hair measuring 1.5 inches and containing around 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp should yield approximately 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen size of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

In laboratory processing of drug test results, the key stages are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into the laboratory’s framework, which includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves an initial rapid evaluation for drugs. Though a cost-effective method to identify drug usage in most samples, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation for legal validity. Samples that presumptively test positive in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.

For samples testing presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction, where drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower levels than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thereby presenting hair drug screening as the most challenging to perform.

To verify any positive result from the screening phase, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS comes into play. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation when needed. The comprehensive laboratory procedures from Accessioning to Confirmation are scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside the accreditation in line with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Unlike urine tests, hair drug tests can detect drug use within a span of up to 90 days.
• Difficulty to cheat: Cheating on a hair drug test is highly challenging, thus ensuring more reliable results.
• Provides historical data: Offers insight into a pattern of sustained drug use over a duration, rather than only recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs typically take 5-7 days to become detectable in hair strands.
• Cost: Compared to other drug-testing methods, hair drug tests generally incur higher expenses.
• Variations in results: Factors including hair color and individual differences in hair growth may influence the drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is of the hair strand itself, not the follicle situated beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Eldridge Park, NJ, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Its superior accuracy and detection capabilities provide more reliable results, offering a robust assessment of substance use history.

Unlike urine tests, which may miss traces of drug use over longer periods, hair testing captures a comprehensive history. This reliability reduces errors and increases confidence in the results, reinforcing its status as a preferred method.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Eldridge Park, NJ, captures drug use for up to 90 days, offering a detailed view of an individual's substance history. This extended detection window surpasses other methods, making it ideal for long-term analysis.

The broad timespan in which hair tests can detect drug usage grants employers comprehensive insight into an employee's past behavior. This depth of analysis is key for decisions regarding employment and compliance with organizational policies.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Eldridge Park, NJ, hair follicle testing minimizes the possibility of sample tampering. Its robust collection process ensures results are reliable and trustworthy, eliminating questions about their integrity.

The difficulty of adulterating a hair sample compared to urine reduces risks of falsified results, offering a method that stands strong against manipulation. This ensures that decisions are based on genuine information.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our testing centers across Eldridge Park, NJ, and nationwide ensure quick, convenient access to hair follicle testing services. The presence of local facilities simplifies the procedure, making the process hassle-free and easily accessible.

The strategic locations across the nation and locally in Eldridge Park ensure no matter where one resides, accessing our services is both easy and efficient, thus streamlining the testing experience.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Eldridge Park, NJ, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to result reception, clients can be assured of privacy and ease, with each step designed for simplicity and discretion.

Individuals benefit from the clear communication and minimal steps involved, addressing any privacy concerns upfront. This assurance of confidentiality bolsters trust and comfort throughout the testing journey.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, our hair follicle testing in Eldridge Park, NJ, provides remarkable value. This appeals to businesses of all sizes seeking quality without compromising budget.

The balance of affordability with rapid results ensures employers receive excellent service. This value proposition is crucial for organizations prioritizing fiscal responsibility alongside superior testing quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle tests in Eldridge Park, NJ, provide precise and swift results. Their high accuracy in uncovering substance use makes them a top choice for thorough assessments, ensuring that traces of drug usage are reliably identified.

Employers benefit from the fast processing of hair follicle tests, delivering dependable data without delay. The rapid turnaround guarantees that decisions are made based on accurate information, fostering a safer working environment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Eldridge Park, NJ, find peace of mind using hair follicle testing for drug-free workplace compliance. This method reduces legal risks and promotes a safer environment, underscoring its significant role in upholding professional standards.

By implementing hair testing, organizations align with industry regulations, enhancing policy enforcement. This not only shields businesses from potential liabilities but also fosters a secure workplace culture.

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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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