Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Griggstown, NJ

What it is, How it works

Hair examinations have emerged as an effective means for detecting drugs and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug use by encasing biomarkers within its growing fibers. When collected near the roots, hair might present up to around a 3-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch section containing around 200 strands of hair (similar to a #2 pencil in size) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal sample size for testing and validation. For EtG, extra screens, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advised to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If head hair isn't accessible, a similar amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers to scalp hair exclusively. "Body hair" includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This consists of checking that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not available via an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening constitutes a preliminarily swift check for drugs of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-effective method to dismiss drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be validated to be acceptable in court. Any samples with presumptive positive results during Screening require further confirmation.

If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is obtained from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.

Verification of any positive screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to Confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug testing can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, contrasting with urine tests, which offer a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: Hair drug tests are exceedingly hard to tamper with, rendering results more precise.
• Provides historical insight: Offers a pattern of drug use over time instead of just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are generally pricier than other drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the test itself assesses the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Griggstown, NJ, hair follicle testing is increasingly favored over traditional urine testing. This modern method offers superior accuracy and reliability, surpassing urine tests in multiple aspects.
Key Benefits:

• Longer detection windows.
• Fewer chances of sample tampering.
• Clear, conclusive results that uphold credibility.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Griggstown, NJ can gain a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance use history with hair follicle testing. This method detects drug usage over 90 days, providing a detailed account.
Why It Matters:

• Extended detection window covers a substantial timeframe.
• Offers a complete understanding of drug habits.
• Presents a thorough evaluation beyond recent use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Utilizing hair follicle tests in Griggstown, NJ helps minimize the risk of sample tampering. This testing method provides robust, dependable results that stand up to scrutiny.
Key Advantages:

• A tamper-resistant process enhances reliability.
• Tamper-proof results ensure certainty.
• Upholds the integrity of testing outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accessing drug testing services is seamless with local and nationwide centers in Griggstown, NJ. Enjoy the ease of quick and convenient testing locations.
Convenience Benefits:

• Nationwide coverage affords easy access.
• Local centers provide regional support.
• Hassle-free services ensure user satisfaction.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Griggstown, NJ is both simple and private, ensuring users' confidentiality throughout.
Simplified Process:

• Easy ordering and testing procedures.
• Confidential results protect privacy.
• A user-friendly experience for all involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Griggstown, NJ enjoys competitive pricing and rapid processing of hair follicle tests, offering excellent value for businesses.
Cost-Effective Solutions:

• Affordability meets superior quality.
• Fast processing with accurate outcomes.
• Valuable choice accommodating all business sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Griggstown, NJ benefits from the swift and trustworthy results of hair follicle drug tests. These tests offer unparalleled precision, efficiently identifying substance use. The speed and reliability of hair tests make them an excellent choice for anyone seeking accurate assessment.
Advantages:

• High accuracy in detection.
• Quick processing times.
• Reliable results are hard to question.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Griggstown, NJ benefit from hair follicle testing due to enhanced compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing bolsters safety and reduces legal exposure.
Employer Benefits:

• Ensures adherence to regulations.
• Mitigates legal risks associated with drug use.
• Encourages a safer, healthier work environment.

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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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