Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Pemberton Heights, NJ

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of its growing strands. When gathered near the scalp, it can reveal up to about a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.

A 1.5-inch hair specimen, comprising around 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, deemed the optimum quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG additions and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. In reference to head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to other types such as facial, axillary, etc.

Process Overview

The key phases in laboratory processing of drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning marks the beginning of introducing a sample into a lab’s system. This stage verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data recording not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary swift assessment for substances of abuse. While it's a budget-friendly approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, positive screens necessitate confirmation to stand in court. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening require further confirmation.

In instances where a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. At this point, drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a particularly challenging methodology.

GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are used to confirm any positive screening results. Any samples presumed positive undergo a cleaning process before confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory procedures, from Accessioning to Confirmation, are scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can detect substance use up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests which offer shorter detection spans.
• Hard to falsify: Attempting to deceive a hair drug test is challenging, ensuring more reliable results.
• Offers historical insights: It can illustrate patterns of drug use over time, beyond just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent use: Drugs become evident in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Generally more costly than other drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Factors such as hair color and individual growth rates may influence drug metabolite concentrations.

Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", this test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle tests with traditional urine tests in Pemberton Heights, NJ, the distinctions are clear. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Research shows that hair tests provide a broader detection window, making it easier to ensure compliance with drug-free policies. This method surpasses urine tests in both the breadth and duration of substance detection.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Pemberton Heights, NJ benefit from the extensive detection window provided by hair follicle testing. Unlike other methods, it traces drug use up to 90 days, granting employers a detailed view of an applicant or employee's substance history. This extended detection capability ensures informed decisions concerning workplace safety and compliance.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Pemberton Heights, NJ, hair follicle testing stands as a highly tamper-resistant option. This method significantly lowers the chance of sample adulteration. Hair tests ensure the reliability of results by providing a robust and unquestionable testing process, making it the preferred choice for dealing with potential substance abuse cases.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient testing centers nationwide, including local options in Pemberton Heights, NJ, accessing hair follicle drug testing services becomes a seamless experience. Our facilities ensure quick, easy, and hassle-free services. The widespread network aligns with our commitment to provide accessible and efficient testing solutions for all clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Pemberton Heights, NJ is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, privacy concerns are addressed comprehensively. This method is designed for ease of use, ensuring a seamless experience while maintaining the utmost confidentiality throughout the entire testing procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Pemberton Heights, NJ, hair follicle testing is both affordable and time-efficient. Our competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times provide excellent value. Companies of all sizes enjoy the benefits of cost-effective testing solutions that deliver peace of mind and assurance of workplace safety and policy compliance.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Pemberton Heights, NJ, the efficacy of hair follicle drug tests is unparalleled. These tests are known for their fast and reliable results. Highly accurate, they offer a superior indication of drug use, ensuring nothing goes unnoticed. Unlike traditional methods, hair testing's speed and precision make it an invaluable tool in substance detection.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Pemberton Heights, NJ achieve unparalleled compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. Ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies, this method effectively minimizes legal risks. Hair testing promotes workplace safety, contributing to a secure and productive 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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