Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Gladstone, NJ

What it is, How it works

Hair examination has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-duration record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample comprising approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil thickness) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or examinations beyond ten panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The central phases in the lab processing of a drug test result entail Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the primary processing of a sample into a laboratory's database. This involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug usage for the majority of samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal admissibility. Any samples indicated as positive in Screening need a secondary validation.

If a sample is noticed as positive at the Screening phase, more hair is gathered from the main sample and readied for Extraction. In this process, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly reduced concentration than found in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most complicated methodology to conduct.

Verification of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits 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 period.
• Hard to manipulate: It is notably challenging to deceive a hair drug test, thus making the results more reliable.
• Offers history of use: It can reveal a pattern of drug consumption over a timeline, rather than merely recent use.

Drawbacks:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are generally costlier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth diversity can influence the levels of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gladstone, NJ

When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine drug tests, the former excels in detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests can detect a broader range of substances over an extended period, offering an insight unseen in urine testing. Thus, for those prioritizing comprehensive readings and reduced risk of misdetection, hair testing stands superior.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Gladstone, NJ

Employers benefit immensely from the extended detection window of hair follicle tests, which can detect drug use for up to 90 days. This gives a comprehensive picture of an individual’s substance habits, making it easier to gauge their fitness for a particular role. Such a long-term view is crucial for roles requiring consistency and reliability.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Gladstone, NJ

One of the strongest attributes of hair follicle testing lies in its resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods, it significantly lowers the chances of sample adulteration. This reliability ensures that stakeholders receive accurate and incontestable results, reinforcing trust in the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Gladstone, NJ

Our expansive network of testing centers across the nation, including those in Gladstone, NJ, ensures easy access for everyone. This widespread availability facilitates a seamless testing process, eliminating the stress of finding a nearby testing site. Clients can expect a swift, uncomplicated experience anywhere they are.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Gladstone, NJ

The process of hair follicle testing is streamlined and private, catering to those concerned about ease of use and confidentiality. From ordering the test to receiving results, the entire procedure is designed to safeguard personal data while delivering efficient service.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Gladstone, NJ

We pride ourselves on competitive pricing structures paired with rapid turnaround times, offering incredible value to organizations regardless of size. This approach ensures that clients not only save on costs but also gain peace of mind with prompt results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Gladstone, NJ

Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed in detecting drug usage. Their high accuracy assures stakeholders of their dependability. With results that swiftly reflect an individual’s substance use history, organizations can act confidently on the findings. This rapid and robust method is a trusted ally for those needing substantial evidence of substance consumption.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Gladstone, NJ

Employers in Gladstone can leverage hair follicle tests for ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal liabilities and promoting safety, this method offers peace of mind, guaranteeing that workers adhere to company standards while enhancing overall workplace security.

Drug Testing Near Gladstone, NJ

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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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