Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Brunswick, NY

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as a crucial method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer an estimated 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch hair sample comprising around 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield approximately 100mg of hair, which is the optimum sample size for screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen's weight. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent mass of body hair can be used. 'Head hair' refers exclusively to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the introductory phase where a sample is incorporated into a lab's system. This stage ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening acts as a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While Screening effectively excludes drug use for most samples, positive screens must be confirmed to be legally valid. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening require further confirmation.

Upon a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging to execute.

Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection timeframe.
• Resistance to tampering: Cheating a hair drug test is notably difficult, ensuring greater accuracy in the results.
• Historical usage data: It provides drug use patterns over time, beyond recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Detection delay: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Higher cost: Hair drug tests tend to be more costly than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Brunswick, NY

Hair follicle testing offers superior detection capabilities over traditional urine tests. These tests are renowned for their accuracy, providing a more extensive detection window for substances. Unlike urine tests, where results can be manipulated, hair tests offer reliable insights, ensuring employers have trustworthy and comprehensive data.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Brunswick, NY

Hair follicle testing stands out due to its ability to detect drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This long detection timespan allows employers to thoroughly assess an individual’s substance use history, aiding in more informed hiring and retention decisions. The expansive window provides a broader picture compared to shorter testing methods.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Brunswick, NY

Hair follicle tests greatly minimize the risk of sample tampering. This method ensures authentic results, as altering or contaminating a hair sample is particularly difficult. Employers can rely on these tests to deliver consistent and unquestionable results, which are crucial in maintaining integrity in drug testing processes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Brunswick, NY

Our growing network of testing centers ensures that no matter where you are, access to hair follicle testing is straightforward and convenient. Nationwide facilities mean swift and efficient service, eliminating the hassle often associated with securing testing appointments, thereby supporting timely drug screening needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Brunswick, NY

Our procedure for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering your test to obtaining the results, every step prioritizes user privacy and simplicity. This ensures peace of mind, addressing any concerns over personal information security while providing reliable outcomes with minimal complexity.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Brunswick, NY

Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing accessible for businesses of all sizes. We provide excellent value, ensuring that your budget considerations are met without compromising the quality and reliability of the testing service. Quick results mean effective and timely decision making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Brunswick, NY

Hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and precise detection of substance use. Their speed and accuracy help employers make informed decisions promptly. Compared to other testing methods, hair analysis ensures that even the smallest trace of drug use is identified, giving unparalleled confidence in the results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Brunswick, NY

Utilizing hair follicle testing provides employers with confidence in maintaining drug-free workplace policies. The thorough nature of these tests helps adhere to regulations, reducing legal implications and enhancing the safety and environment of workplaces. Employers gain reassurance knowing they sustain compliance with ease.

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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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