Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Tatum, NM

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair acts as a timeline for substance intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches containing around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimum amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, extra tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If there is no scalp hair, a corresponding amount of body hair can be taken. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory process of obtaining a drug test result consists of four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the first phase, where a sample is processed into a laboratory’s database. This step ensures the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an immediate check for drug presence. Although it is an economical way to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive result from Screening needs to be verified for legal acceptance. Any presumptively positive samples in Screening require a further confirmation.

If a sample yields a presumptively positive screening result, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. During this step, drugs are drawn from hair at a substantially lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: It is extremely difficult to falsify a hair drug test, thereby increasing result accuracy.
• Historical data collection: Offers an insight into drug use patterns over time, beyond just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs typically become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Cost: Generally, hair drug tests are pricier than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences might impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Tatum, NM

When comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing, the former stands out for its superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests that may miss recent drug use or be easily manipulated, hair testing offers a reliable alternative. Its ability to detect past drug use accurately makes it a vital choice for many organizations.

• Higher detection accuracy.
• Not easily adulterated.
• Longer detection window.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Tatum, NM

Hair follicle testing can identify drug use over a period extending up to 90 days, providing a full picture of substance history. This comprehensive approach allows employers in Tatum, NM to make informed decisions about potential and current employees, ensuring they maintain a drug-free workplace.

• 90-day detection period.
• Comprehensive view of history.
• Informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Tatum, NM

The hair follicle test is a robust method resisting sample tampering. In Tatum, NM, this type of testing provides reliable and unquestionable results, reducing the risks associated with sample manipulation. This reliability makes it a preferred choice across various sectors seeking accurate drug screening results.

• Resistant to tampering.
• Reliable results.
• Trusted by various sectors.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Tatum, NM

We offer convenient testing locations nationwide, including Tatum, NM. This ensures easy and smooth access to our testing services. No matter where you are, you can rely on our quick and hassle-free services at any of our local or national centers.

• Easy access to testing services.
• Testing centers nationwide.
• Quick and hassle-free process.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Tatum, NM

Our hair follicle testing process in Tatum, NM is designed to be both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, we ensure that the entire process is handled with the utmost privacy and ease, addressing any privacy concerns effectively.

• Simple process steps.
• Confidential handling of tests.
• Privacy assurances.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Tatum, NM

Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times provide excellent value for businesses in Tatum, NM. We ensure that while we maintain affordability, the quality and speed of our hair follicle tests are never compromised, offering peace of mind to companies.

• Competitive pricing.
• Fast processing times.
• Excellent service value.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Tatum, NM

Hair follicle drug tests in Tatum, NM provide swift and accurate results. Their high reliability in detecting substance use makes them a preferred choice over traditional methods. These tests offer a precise analysis which is crucial for maintaining safety standards and ensuring compliance in various environments.

• High accuracy in detecting substances.
• Quick results delivery.
• Reliable method for maintaining standards.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Tatum, NM

Implementing hair follicle testing in Tatum, NM assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This approach also mitigates legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety, providing peace of mind to employers while maintaining a secure and productive work environment.

• Ensures policy compliance.
• Reduces legal risks.
• Enhances workplace safety.

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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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