Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Sherman, NM

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a highly effective means for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair offers a detection period extending up to three months for alcohol and substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is limited, an equivalent quantity of body hair is an acceptable substitute. Reference to head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the initial handling of a sample upon entry into the lab’s system. This stage ensures the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary analysis to spot potential drug abuse. Though Screening is economical for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screen warrants confirmation for court validity. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

For samples with a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. This step involves isolating drugs from hair at lower concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Washes of presumptive positive samples precede confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug tests identify drug use spanning up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter detection period of urine tests.
• Resistance to tampering: Hair drug tests are tough to adulterate, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Historical usage patterns: The test reveals a timeline of drug consumption, rather than solely indicating recent activity.

Limitations:

• Recent use detection: It takes around 5-7 days for hair to reflect drug presence.
• Expense: Hair drug testing typically incurs higher costs than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Differences in hair color and personal hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite concentrations within hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing stands out in Sherman, NM for its superior detection capabilities compared to urine testing. While traditional urine tests serve a purpose, hair analysis extends the detection timeframe substantially, up to 90 days, showcasing its robustness. This means hair testing offers a more comprehensive insight into substance use history, providing a more dependable assessment method.

Extended Detection Window

One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Sherman, NM is its extended detection window. It effectively monitors drug use for up to 90 days, providing employers with a thorough overview of an individual's substance use history. This longer detection period helps in making informed decisions based on a comprehensive evaluation.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Sherman, NM are significantly resistant to tampering. They reduce the possibility of adulteration, ensuring the results are both reliable and unequivocal. This method outshines others in its ability to deliver trustworthy, tamper-proof outcomes, elevating the integrity of the testing procedure for all stakeholders involved.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled convenience in Sherman, NM, with testing centers nationwide. This ensures easy access to drug testing services, providing quick and hassle-free solutions. Our expansive network guarantees individuals and employers can find a local testing center close to their location whenever needed.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Sherman, NM is designed to be both simple and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, every step is straightforward, maintaining a strong emphasis on privacy. This ensures that users experience ease of use without any concerns over confidentiality breaches or process complexities.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Sherman, NM, our hair follicle testing services offer affordable pricing coupled with swift turnaround times. We deliver significant value, helping companies of all sizes manage their testing needs effectively. With our competitive rates and rapid results, businesses can ensure they remain compliant without financial strain.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Sherman, NM, hair follicle drug testing is renowned for providing fast, accurate results. Unlike traditional methods, hair tests offer incredible precision in detecting substance use. Their speed and reliability make them an invaluable tool for those seeking dependable outcomes rapidly. It's this high accuracy that ensures individuals and employers can trust the findings from hair follicle tests.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Sherman, NM find peace of mind with hair follicle testing due to its compliance benefits. Adopting this method supports adherence to drug-free policies and decreases the risk of legal complications. By enhancing safety and compliance, employers can foster a secure workplace environment with this reliable testing option.

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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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