Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Cedar Grove, NM

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use by keeping biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair strand. When harvested near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection timeline for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A segment measuring 1.5 inches, approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil), closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, a 150mg sample size of the specimen is advisable. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair isn't accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. Note that when addressing head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The process for laboratory evaluation of drug test outcomes is structured around four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory's operations. Included in this is ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, the assignment of a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing supplementary data input not incorporated through an electronic chain of custody framework.

Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for the presence of drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug use in most specimens, any positive screen must undergo confirmation to be permissible in legal proceedings. Samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening demand further confirmation.

Should a sample exhibit presumptive positivity at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring hair drug screening as the most complex method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening finding is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive specimens are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized per CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards as well as under ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can track drug consumption for up to 90 days, contrary to the shorter detection scope in urine tests.
• Challenging to falsify: It is quite challenging to evade a hair drug test, increasing the reliability of results.
• Offers chronological data: It can reveal a drug use pattern over time, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to identify recent consumption: Drugs usually become detectable in hair about 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is generally pricier compared to other testing methods.
• Variance in outcomes: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth differences might influence drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Cedar Grove, NM, showcases distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair tests excel in detection accuracy and reliability, capturing evidence of drug use over extended periods. Their superior detection capabilities make them invaluable to employers wanting robust screening.

Extended Detection Window

With a detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Cedar Grove, NM, affords employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. The test's extended detection period offers insights into long-term drug use patterns, supporting informed decision-making for employers.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Cedar Grove, NM, hair follicle tests significantly diminish the chances of sample tampering, delivering dependable and indisputable results. This testing method's robustness ensures accuracy and integrity, reassuring those who rely on its outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Cedar Grove, NM, the convenience of nationwide and local testing centers ensures easy access to our services. With numerous locations available, arranging speedy and hassle-free testing is simple, supporting individuals and businesses alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of ordering, completing, and receiving hair follicle test results in Cedar Grove, NM, is straightforward and confidential. This method addresses privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use, providing a seamless experience for all involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, our hair follicle testing in Cedar Grove, NM, delivers value and assurance. Companies of all sizes benefit from our affordable rates and efficient service, ensuring rapid and reliable results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Cedar Grove, NM, the effectiveness of hair follicle drug testing lies in its precision and quick results. These tests boast high accuracy in identifying substance use, reflecting their efficiency in the drug testing industry. With speed and reliability, hair follicle testing is increasingly favored by employers seeking accurate results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle testing in Cedar Grove, NM, enhances compliance with drug-free policies, offering employers peace of mind. By mitigating legal risks and bolstering workplace safety, these tests serve as a cornerstone for maintaining a secure and policy-adherent environment.

Drug Testing Near Cedar Grove, NM

Madrid, NM

Manzano Springs, NM

Cedro, NM

Moriarty, NM

Tijeras, NM

San Antonio, NM

Cedar Crest, NM

Stanley, NM

Sandia Park, NM

San Antonito, NM

Los Pinos, NM

Sedillo, NM

Edgewood, NM

Sandia Knolls, NM

Golden, NM

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews