Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bernardo, NM

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term record of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair strand. If collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to roughly a 3-month detection window for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 strands of hair (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, the equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When we mention head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four key steps involved in processing a drug test result in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is entered into the laboratory’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is cost-efficient and can eliminate the majority of drug usage, any positive results require confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening need secondary confirmation.

If a sample is presumptively positive in the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are removed from hair in significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.

Confirmation for any positive results from screening is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples tested as presumptively positive are cleaned before confirmation when necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests detect drug intake for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter timespan.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating in a hair drug test is significantly difficult, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Reports past data: It shows a pattern of drug use over time, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Does not detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair typically after 5-7 days.
• Higher expense: Hair drug tests usually cost more than other drug testing methods.
• Result discrepancies: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When exploring drug testing methods, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in Bernardo, NM. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy, identifying substances consumed over a longer period. Employers benefit from more reliable results, ensuring a safer workplace environment.

Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing makes cheating nearly impossible, providing confidence in the results delivered. The extensive detection window uncovers substance use history, a significant advantage over urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

In Bernardo, NM, hair follicle testing reveals drug usage over extended durations, up to 90 days. This method grants employers an in-depth understanding of an employee's or candidate's substance history, promoting informed decision-making.

Employers in Bernardo appreciate the comprehensive view that hair follicle tests provide, revealing patterns of use rather than just recent activity. This extended detection period enhances safety and compliance in workplaces.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Bernardo, NM offers a tamper-resistant method that minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. The likelihood of cheating is significantly reduced, ensuring the integrity of test results.

Providing unquestionable results, hair follicle testing is the preferred choice for many companies in Bernardo. Its tamper-resistant nature bolsters the reliability of the screening process, contributing to more secure and trustworthy outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Access convenient testing services with Accredited Drug Testing's expansive network, including Bernardo, NM. Our nationwide centers make obtaining testing services simple and efficient.

With local and nationwide locations, our testing services are designed for ease, ensuring quick, hassle-free access to reliable drug testing solutions. Employment and personal safety are enhanced through our widespread availability.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Bernardo, NM, our hair follicle testing process remains simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, privacy is prioritized, ensuring peace of mind.

The straightforward approach to hair testing simplifies the experience, making it user-friendly for individuals and companies. Confidentiality remains at the forefront, addressing concerns and maintaining trust in the process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle testing service in Bernardo, NM provides excellent value. Companies benefit from our cost-effective solutions while ensuring safety.

Our affordable pricing structure combines with rapid results to deliver outstanding value for organizations in every industry. Clients experience cost savings without sacrificing the quality or speed of drug testing services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Experience fast, accurate, and reliable hair follicle drug testing results in Bernardo, NM. Hair testing stands out for its precision, accurately identifying substances even after extended periods. Accurate detection ensures that substance usage is identified, offering peace of mind.

Employers in Bernardo trust hair follicle tests for quick results that support informed hiring decisions. The exceptional accuracy makes it a dependable choice for comprehensive drug screening in various professional settings.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Bernardo, NM find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, which ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and promotes a safer work environment.

Using hair follicle testing aligns with stringent workplace policies, assuring employers of comprehensive substance use evaluations. The resulting compliance enhances safety and mitigates potential liabilities, fostering a secure workplace.

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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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