Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Franklin Park, NJ

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair enables long-duration tracking of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers in the strands of hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of nearly three months for drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.

An ideal sample for screening and confirmation is a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional panels, and tests over 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. It is advisable to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When we specify head hair, we are specifically talking about scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other kinds (like facial or armpit hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory system. This step involves confirming the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

In the Screening phase, there is an initial rapid scan for drugs of abuse. Screening serves as an economical method to eliminate drug usage for most samples; however, for court acceptability, any positive results from Screening require confirmation. Samples that test as presumptively positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.

If a sample is found presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations lower than those in other methods (such as urine or saliva), emphasizing the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples indicating presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation, as necessary. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can detect substances for as long as 90 days, compared to urine tests that have a shorter detection duration.
• Cheating is nearly impossible: Hair drug tests are difficult to manipulate, offering more accurate findings.
• Offers historical insight: Hair tests can trace a pattern of drug use over months, not just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent usage: Drugs take about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variances: Attributes like hair color and individual hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When it comes to drug testing in Franklin Park, NJ, hair follicle tests offer distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Extended Detection periods can capture substance use over months, unlike urine tests which are limited to recent times. This ensures a comprehensive assessment of an individual's drug history.
Furthermore, hair testing is less susceptible to manipulation, enhancing the integrity of the process. Employers value this reliability, especially when maintaining safety and compliance is critical.

An important benefit of hair testing is its resistance to cheating. While urine samples can be adulterated, hair samples retain traces of drug use that are difficult to erase. This makes hair follicle testing an unbeatable choice for securing accurate data on substance use.

Extended Detection Window

In Franklin Park, NJ, hair follicle testing stands out with an impressive detection window of up to 90 days. This expansive timeframe offers employers a thorough review of an individual’s drug use history, far exceeding the capabilities of other drug tests.
Such a panoramic approach allows companies to make decisions with a full scope at their disposal, aiding in creating a safe and drug-free working environment. This long-lasting detection period fortifies the credibility and utility of hair tests.

Employers benefit from the capacity to view substance usage patterns over an extended duration. The resultant data becomes a cornerstone for evaluating consistency or patterns in drug use, aiding in making informed employment decisions while ensuring compliance with workplace policies.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

One of the core strengths of hair follicle testing in Franklin Park, NJ, is its tamper resistance. Unlike urine tests, which are prone to alteration, hair tests significantly mitigate risks of sample adulteration.
The samples collected from hair are not only collected under strict observation but are also resistant to external contaminants. This inherent resilience boosts the dependability of results, offering indisputable data on drug use for those concerned about testing accuracy.

Through this enhanced resistance to tampering, hair testing gives employers, courts, and other institutions unbeatable assurance and confidence in the results obtained. The meticulous nature of hair testing methods acts as a safeguard against any attempts to compromise test integrity, reinforcing their role as a trustworthy drug-testing solution.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient testing locations throughout Franklin Park, NJ, and across the nation, hair follicle testing becomes a hassle-free process. Accredited Drug Testing's extensive network ensures easy accessibility for both individuals and employers needing reliable drug testing services.
Our proficiency in swift provision of services ensures minimal disruption to daily routines, facilitating seamless, efficient testing with minimal waiting times.

The accessibility of test locations empowers customers and businesses with the ease of scheduling tests on-demand. By strategically planning our facilities, we offer expedited testing processes that align with various geographic needs, ensuring that drug testing is a straightforward endeavor nationwide.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Franklin Park, NJ, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential, designed to alleviate privacy concerns. Ordering a test through our platforms is straightforward, ensuring a stress-free experience.
Test takers can be assured of receiving their results swiftly and discreetly. The confidentiality protocols in place ensure that client privacy is respected at every step from ordering, taking tests, through to the safe receipt of results.

By maintaining a focus on ease of use and discretion, the process eliminates unnecessary barriers, making it accessible to many. Individuals and companies alike benefit from this privacy-centric approach, fostering trust and assurance in the process while ensuring sleek, private handling of sensitive data.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our competitive pricing models in Franklin Park, NJ, make hair follicle testing an affordable and valuable option for businesses of all sizes. While maintaining high-quality standards, we offer cost-effective solutions that don't compromise on accuracy.
With fast turnaround times, companies can make essential choices promptly, enhancing value by ensuring that hiring and employment-related decisions are both informed and timely.

The economic feasibility of our testing services does not diminish their quality. Instead, it enhances the ability for regular and ad-hoc testing that aligns with organizational budgets, presenting an attractive proposition to both small and large businesses alike.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Franklin Park, NJ, hair follicle drug tests provide swift and dependable results. Accuracy is their strong suit, as they precisely identify substance use. With a high standard of reliability, these tests ensure a clear understanding of an individual's drug history.
Compared to other testing methods, the speed of obtaining results is notably efficient, making it a preferred choice for those seeking timely assessments.

The reliability of hair follicle tests stems from their ability to maintain high sensitivity levels. This ensures that even trace amounts of substances are detected. Such precision in testing offers confidence for decision-makers when evaluating substance use history. With their proven efficacy, these tests are a top selection for organizations demanding thorough and precise drug testing.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Franklin Park, NJ, hair follicle testing ensures business confidence through compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Adopting this reliable method decreases legal liabilities and enhances overall workplace safety.
Hair tests provide an extra layer of security, giving peace of mind by reducing the chance of undetected substance abuse. Employers are more assured of a safer, productive, and compliant workplace environment.

Additionally, integrating hair follicle testing into corporate policy offers employees clear expectations and assurances. This method stands as a deterrent and a protector, contributing to a climate of safety and accountability, making it a vital component of workplace health protocols.

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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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