Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Cedar Hill, NM

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records long-term substance use by integrating biomarkers into the strands as they grow. When sourced near the scalp, it offers a detection span of roughly up to three months for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, harder to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches comprising about 200 hair strands (resembling a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg, ideal for initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, and exams exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is preferable. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be taken. Head hair specifies only scalp hair, while body hair denotes other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

Four primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial stage of entering a sample into the lab system, checking that it was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any extra data not already covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as a preliminary test to identify potential drug abuse. Though cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most cases, a positive screen mandates confirmation for court acceptance. Presumptive positive samples during Screening need additional confirmation.

For samples that test positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for further preparation in Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is notably challenging to conduct.

All positive screening findings undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before necessary confirmatory processes. The lab stages from Accessioning to Confirmation are reviewed under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adhere to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug tests track substance use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which have shorter detection periods.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is challenging, ensuring results are accurate.
• Tracks usage history: It reveals a pattern of drug use over time rather than only recent use.

Limitations:

• Can't identify recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Price: Hair drug tests tend to cost more than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and personal hair growth variations can impact drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the assessment examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cedar Hill, NM: Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy. While urine tests trace recent drug use, hair tests provide an extended window of up to 90 days, showcasing a comprehensive overview of substance consumption.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Cedar Hill, NM: The ability of hair follicle tests to detect drug use for up to 90 days offers employers a broad view of an individual’s substance history. This prolonged detection period is instrumental in understanding applicants' or employees' long-term drug use patterns.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cedar Hill, NM: Hair follicle testing considerably minimizes the chances of sample tampering. The secure nature of these tests ensures that the results reported are both credible and unchallengeable, adding an extra layer of trustworthiness.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cedar Hill, NM: Our vast network of testing centers simplifies access to services. With facilities spread nationwide, including in Cedar Hill, testing becomes an effortless and convenient process, catering to all geographical needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Cedar Hill, NM: The hair follicle testing procedure is designed to be discreet and straightforward. From ordering to receiving results, the process prioritizes privacy, ensuring participants' information is handled with care and sensitivity.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cedar Hill, NM: Our competitive pricing structures coupled with swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing a valuable choice for companies. The cost-effective nature and rapid results contribute to peace of mind for businesses of varying scales.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cedar Hill, NM: Hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled in their capacity to deliver precise and prompt results. The methodology ensures high accuracy in identifying substance use, providing both operators and individuals with dependable information about drug consumption.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cedar Hill, NM: Implementing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal liabilities. Employers benefit from enhanced safety and compliance assurance, fostering a secure work environment.

Drug Testing Near Cedar Hill, NM

North San Ysidro, NM

San Pablo, NM

Romeroville, NM

Soham, NM

Santa Ana, NM

Ribera, NM

Dilia, NM

Serafina, NM

Llano Del Medio, NM

Pinos Altos, NM

Dahlia, NM

Sena, NM

Anton Chico, NM

Tecolotito, NM

Villanueva, 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