Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Groveville, NJ

What it is, How it works

With hair testing gaining recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, it offers a way to capture a timeline of substance use. Hair embeds biomarkers within its growing strands, allowing for a detection span of up to three months when sourced near the scalp. The process of gathering hair is straightforward, challenging to falsify, and easy to transport.

Collecting a 1.5-inch lock of about 200 hair strands, roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil, from near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both screening and verification. For tests such as EtG, additional testing, or those exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to have 150mg of the sample. Measuring the amount on a jeweler’s scale is suggested. If scalp hair isn’t available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be taken. 'Head hair' references are to scalp hair only, whereas 'body hair' encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, armpit).

Process Overview

The drug test processing in laboratories comprises four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the process where a sample is initially logged into a lab’s system. This step includes checking that the sample is properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling out any remaining data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not cover.

Screening conducts a preliminary and quick assessment for the presence of drugs. While cost-effective for discounting drug use in most samples, a positive result here needs validation for it to be court-worthy. Samples flagged as likely positive during Screening require further confirmation.

Should a sample yield a likely positive result in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair in lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), rendering hair drug testing one of the hardest methodologies to execute.

The validation of any initial positive screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples are pre-washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and meets the accreditation criteria of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection duration: Hair drug screenings can ascertain drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have less detection time.
• Resistance to tampering: Hair drug tests are difficult to cheat, ensuring more dependable outcomes.
• Historical insight: They reveal a sequence of drug use over time, instead of just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent use: Drugs need about five to seven days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug exams generally cost more than other testing types.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Typically termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is actually of the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

The choice between hair follicle testing and urine tests in Groveville, NJ, often leans towards the former due to its significant advantages.

Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests provide extended detection periods.

This benefit allows for better accuracy and reliability, demonstrating its superiority in many testing situations.

Employers and judicial systems favor this method as it offers a clearer understanding of long-term substance use, which urine tests might miss.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a notable advantage for evaluations in Groveville, NJ.

This method allows for substance detection for up to 90 days, providing a broad view of substance history.

With this extensive window, employers can assess an applicant's or employee's involvement with drugs over a prolonged period.

This aspect enables better-informed decisions and supports maintaining a substance-free workplace environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

When seeking a tamper-resistant testing method in Groveville, NJ, hair follicle testing is unparalleled.

The risk of sample adulteration is greatly minimized, ensuring sample integrity.

Employers looking for unquestionable results find this testing method reliable.

Hair follicle exams are difficult to cheat, making them a preferred choice for accurate substance use assessment.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience is key with Accredited Drug Testing's widespread centers, including in Groveville, NJ.

Providing nationwide access means employees and employers receive prompt service without fuss.

Whether local or across the country, our testing locations make the process swift and efficient.

Hassle-free accessibility ensures that testing needs are met promptly, enhancing overall satisfaction.

Simple, Confidential Process

Hair follicle testing offers a simple, confidential process for participants in Groveville, NJ.

From ordering to results, each step prioritizes privacy and ease of use.

The straightforward approach alleviates concerns, emphasizing the discreet handling of information.

Customers can confidently engage in the testing process, knowing their data is protected.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

For affordable and rapid testing solutions in Groveville, NJ, hair testing is a top choice.

The competitive pricing structure benefits companies of various sizes.

Alongside quick turnaround times, it provides excellent value and reassurance.

Businesses enjoy both cost-efficiency and expedited results, meeting their requirements effectively.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

When it comes to getting fast and dependable results in Groveville, NJ, hair follicle drug tests stand out. These tests are recognized for their highly accurate assessment of substance use.

Hair follicle testing ensures that results are not just quick but also precise, capturing a clear picture of an individual's drug history.

This method of evaluation benefits those who require swift and reliable detection of drug usage, ensuring that the outcomes are trustworthy.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Groveville, NJ, can achieve compliance peace of mind through hair follicle testing.

Ensuring adherence to drug-free policies is more manageable with this method.

The reliability and thoroughness of hair testing decrease legal risks, maintaining workplace safety.

This assurance strengthens compliance efforts and sustains a secure, productive environment for all employees.

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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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