Hair Follicle Drug Testing - La Puente, NM

What it is, How it works

Using hair assessment is recognized as an efficient method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. When sourced near the scalp, hair can present a detection period extending up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches of about 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and validation. For EtG, supplementary testing, and assays beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be obtained, collecting an equivalent quantity of body hair is permissible. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary phases in the laboratory evaluation of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial assimilation of a specimen into the lab’s system. This process verifies that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any extra data input not supported by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is required for legal admissibility. Any samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.

When a sample is deemed presumptively positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Lengthy detection period: Hair drug tests are capable of identifying drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection period.
• Resistance to manipulation: Cheating a hair drug test is exceedingly challenging, enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Provision of historical data: It can present a pattern of drug consumption over a duration, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: It requires about 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Variability in outcomes: Elements such as hair color and individual disparities in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Frequently referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis 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 La Puente, NM

• Hair testing offers a superior accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests due to its comprehensive detection capabilities.
• Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a more extended detection period which can trace substance use long after the initial consumption.
• The minimal chances of tampering with hair samples make them a more trustworthy option over standard urine testing procedures.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in La Puente, NM

• With a hair follicle test, employers gain insight into an individual's substance use over an extended timeline, potentially up to 90 days
• This expansive detection window ensures a clearer picture of long-term substance habits, beneficial for ongoing workplace assessments.
• Providing coverage for such extensive periods means many substances won't escape notice as easily as with shorter testing methods.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in La Puente, NM

• Hair follicle sampling significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, offering infallible results each time.
• The inherent resistance to tampering ensures the testing process remains secure, maintaining its credibility and trustworthiness.
• In settings where integrity is paramount, hair testing shines with its low manipulation potential compared to other methods.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in La Puente, NM

• Our extensive network of testing centers makes it easy for individuals to find quick and accessible testing locations nationwide.
• Local facilities in La Puente ensure minimal travel and hassle, streamlining the testing process for individuals and businesses alike.
• This broad geographical coverage provides flexible options, catering to both local and boundary-spanning needs with ease.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in La Puente, NM

• Our streamlined process is designed for ease from ordering to results delivery, prioritizing customer convenience.
• We guarantee confidentiality at every stage, ensuring privacy for all involved throughout the testing process.
• This simplicity enhances overall user experience, addressing both primary needs and additional concerns with unparalleled care.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in La Puente, NM

• Our competitive pricing ensures excellent value, making quality drug testing accessible for companies of all sizes.
• Fast turnaround times mean results are delivered promptly, maintaining efficiency for time-sensitive contexts.
• Providing cost-effective testing solutions, we aim to meet the budgetary and operational demands of various organizations.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in La Puente, NM

• The efficiency of hair follicle drug tests lies in their ability to quickly deliver precise results, ensuring timely interventions or decisions.
• Hair follicle testing stands out for its high accuracy, as it can detect even small quantities of substances.
• The reliability of test outcomes plays a crucial role in various settings, offering reassurance to both employers and individuals involved.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in La Puente, NM

• Employers adhering to drug-free policies find reassurance through the compliant, reliable nature of hair follicle testing.
• Reducing legal risks, these tests enhance workplace safety and focus, while also safeguarding organizational interests.
• With comprehensive testing, employers can ensure compliance with minimal effort, protecting their workforce effectively.

Drug Testing Near La Puente, NM

Gallina, NM

El Rito, NM

Dulce, NM

Lumberton, NM

Monero, NM

Canjilon, NM

Alire, NM

Chama, NM

Cebolla, NM

El Vado, NM

Brazos, NM

Ensenada, NM

Los Ojos, NM

Tierra Amarilla, NM

Rutheron, 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