Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Scobeyville, NJ

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective instrument for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers a comprehensive history of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can provide a detection window of approximately three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands, roughly the width of a #2 pencil, cut closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale is advisable. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. In this context, head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for drug test results encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is processed into the lab's system, which includes verifying proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing supplementary data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides a preliminary assessment for drug presence. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen requires a confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening mandate secondary confirmation.

For samples with presumptive positive results in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for the Extraction phase. In this phase, substances are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The laboratory procedures from Accessioning to Confirmation are audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days prior, surpassing the shorter detection window of urine tests.
• Hard to deceive: Hair drug tests are notably hard to cheat, leading to more accurate outcomes.
• Historical insight: Provides a record of drug use over time, unlike tests that indicate only recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: It takes around 5-7 days for substances to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically costlier compared to alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth variability can impact drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests," the evaluation is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Scobeyville, NJ
In Scobeyville, NJ, hair follicle testing stands out for its superior accuracy and reliability compared to conventional urine tests. This method's benefits include a longer detection window, which gives a clearer picture of substance use over time. While urine tests are useful for recent drug use, hair tests offer extended detection and accuracy, reducing the likelihood of false negatives.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Scobeyville, NJ
Hair follicle testing provides an extended window of detection, often spanning up to 90 days. This wide range allows employers to gauge a more comprehensive picture of a person’s substance use history. In Scobeyville, this test is invaluable for ensuring only the most suitable candidates join the workforce, offering assurance of their substance-free status.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Scobeyville, NJ
Hair follicle testing is a highly dependable method that significantly reduces the risk of adulteration. Its collection and testing process ensures an honest reflection of an individual's substance habits. This tamper-proof quality is why many companies in Scobeyville prefer hair testing, as it delivers dependable and undeniable results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Scobeyville, NJ
Our network of nationwide testing centers, including local facilities in Scobeyville, ensures rapid and accessible testing services. With Accredited Drug Testing, you experience a seamless process, providing both convenience and efficiency in meeting your testing requirements across numerous locations.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Scobeyville, NJ
Our drug testing procedure in Scobeyville is straightforward and respects confidentiality throughout. From ordering to receiving results, our processes assure ease of use and privacy. This allows individuals to undertake testing without concerns regarding the security of their personal information.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Scobeyville, NJ
Competitive pricing and quick result times make our hair follicle testing an attractive option for businesses in Scobeyville. With efficient services that deliver rapid results, companies can maintain peace of mind knowing they are receiving valuable service at an affordable price.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Scobeyville, NJ
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their swift and precise results. Their accuracy in detecting recent and historical drug use makes them a trusted choice for many organizations aiming to maintain a drug-free environment. Offering detailed insights into substance use, hair testing is a preferred approach for reliable results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Scobeyville, NJ
Using hair follicle testing in Scobeyville assists employers in maintaining workplace policies that are free of substances. This method supports compliance and minimizes legal implications. Adopting such testing methods offers peace of mind by enhancing safety and moral standards while aligning with corporate policies.

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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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