Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Optimo, NM

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained a reputation as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of substance use by embedding indicators within the fibers as the hair grows. When the sample is taken near the scalp, it provides up to a 90-day timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transportation is convenient.

A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both initial screening and detailed testing. For EtG, supplementary tests, or evaluations beyond 10 drug panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for measurement is suggested. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" strictly refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes other types like facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The primary laboratory stages for processing a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the entry stage where a sample is logged into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry absent from an electronic custody system.

Screening provides an initial assessment for drug abuse. While it's an economical method for negating drug usage in most samples, a court-admissible positive screen requires confirmation. Samples with preliminary positive results in Screening necessitate further validation.

For presumptive positives identified in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initially collected specimen and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid testing), explaining the complexity of hair drug testing.

Confirmation of positive findings from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary washing of all presumptive positive samples is done prior to confirmation. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is supervised under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can track drug use for up to 90 days, contrasting with urine tests which offer a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: The difficulty in falsifying a hair drug test enhances the credibility of its findings.
• Tracks past usage: It uncovers patterns of drug use over time, not just recent activities.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent usage: It takes nearly 5-7 days for drugs to be traceable within hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is typically costlier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle below the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When considering drug tests in Optimo, NM, hair follicle testing is superior to traditional urine tests. Its detection accuracy and reliability are unmatched, providing a clearer picture of substance use. Hair tests are not only more dependable but also offer a longer detection window, making them invaluable for thorough evaluations. Choose hair testing for its effectiveness in revealing a comprehensive substance history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window is a prominent advantage of hair follicle testing in Optimo, NM. Unlike other methods, hair tests can reveal drug use over an extensive period—up to 90 days. This feature provides employers with a broad view of an individual's substance use history, aiding in informed decision-making and policy enforcement.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Optimo, NM, hair follicle tests are tamper-resistant, significantly minimizing risks associated with sample adulteration. This method ensures reliable, irrefutable results, making it an essential tool in environments where integrity is crucial. The procedure's design prevents loopholes, delivering trustworthy and consistent outcomes every time.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient nationwide access and services local to Optimo, NM. Our expansive network of testing centers ensures hassle-free and prompt services. The ease of access allows for quick testing, reducing disruptions and ensuring your needs are met efficiently and effectively.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Optimo, NM, is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, we prioritize privacy and simplicity. Clients can rest assured that their data and identities are secure throughout the entire process, enhancing comfort and ease for all involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Optimo, NM, we offer affordable pricing combined with rapid turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests. This competitive pricing structure ensures excellent value, catering to businesses of various sizes. The combination of cost-effectiveness and quick service brings peace of mind, supporting timely decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug testing in Optimo, NM, guarantees fast, accurate, and dependable results. This method stands out for its precision in identifying substance use, providing unmatched reliability. Employers and individuals can trust in its efficient detection capabilities.
The thorough nature of hair testing solidifies its credibility and timeliness, ensuring you receive prompt results without compromising on quality.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Optimo, NM, using hair follicle testing aligns with compliance needs and offers peace of mind. This method strengthens adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks, and enhancing safety. Employers can maintain a secure environment, assured in their testing's credibility and effectiveness.

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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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