Hair Follicle Drug Testing - West Paterson, NJ

What it is, How it works

Hair assessments have emerged as a robust method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a lengthy record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within its growing fibers. When collected proximate to the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection span for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to alter, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for evaluation and verification. For EtG, additions, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair specifically indicate scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four pivotal phases in the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the primary incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This process encompasses verifying that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical means to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be permissible in court. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening require a secondary validation.

Should a sample test presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than in other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug analysis is among the most challenging methodologies to undertake.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug assessments can detect drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine assessments which have a shorter duration.
• Resistance to cheating: Hair drug tests are considerably difficult to deceive, thus providing more precise results.
• Historical usage data: It provides a drug usage pattern over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: It typically takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments tend to be costlier compared to other drug testing approaches.
• Result inconsistencies: Variables like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the levels of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the assessment analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When considering testing methods in West Paterson, NJ, hair follicle testing clearly outperforms traditional urine tests. Its distinct advantage lies in superior detection accuracy, offering a more reliable glimpse into substance use history. Employers gain confidence in the results they receive, moving beyond the limitations of urine tests.

While both methods have their place, hair follicle testing's ability to provide a comprehensive view makes it the preferred choice. Its unmatched reliability enhances the credibility of results, making it a standout option.

Extended Detection Window

In West Paterson, NJ, hair follicle testing stands out due to its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days, this method gives employers a thorough look at an individual's substance use history. This extended timeframe is crucial for making informed decisions.

Employers and organizations benefit from this extended detection, enabling them to maintain safe and compliant workplaces. Applicants and employees are assessed more accurately, fostering a more transparent and secure environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In West Paterson, NJ, hair follicle testing offers a robust, tamper-resistant method for drug screening. This approach significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that results remain trustworthy and consistent.

For individuals and employers alike, choosing hair testing means opting for reliability. Its resistance to cheating and tampering reassures parties involved, maintaining the integrity of drug testing results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience is at the forefront in West Paterson, NJ, with our extensive network of nationwide testing centers, including local facilities, ensuring easy and hassle-free access to services.

Access to local testing centers makes the process quick and straightforward, allowing clients to carry out testing tasks without the burden of distance or inconvenience. This national presence guarantees seamless service across diverse regions.

Simple, Confidential Process

In West Paterson, NJ, the process encompassing hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. The procedure for ordering, sampling, and receiving results addresses privacy concerns and ensures ease of use.

Confidentiality is paramount, with every step crafted to protect individual privacy. The straightforward process guarantees that users experience no barriers in accessing essential services.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

West Paterson, NJ, offers competitive pricing and swift turnaround times for hair follicle testing, providing excellent value for businesses of all sizes. By ensuring affordability, organizations can integrate this reliable testing method without financial strain.

Quick result processing further adds to the advantages, allowing businesses to make timely and well-informed decisions. The cost-effectiveness and agility of this testing method make it an attractive choice.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In West Paterson, NJ, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their precision and speed. These tests boast high accuracy in detecting substances, offering results that are both fast and reliable. By analyzing hair samples, an accurate picture of substance use is provided, benefitting organizations and individuals alike.

Hair testing's rapid processing time ensures that employers in West Paterson receive timely and dependable results. This efficiency enhances decision-making while maintaining the integrity of the testing procedure.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in West Paterson, NJ, benefit from the compliance and peace of mind offered by hair follicle testing. By aligning with workplace drug-free policies, organizations reduce legal risks and enhance safety.

Hair testing aids in adhering to compliance standards, promoting a safer working environment. It assists employers in maintaining a drug-free workplace while minimizing potential legal challenges, fostering overall business growth.

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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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