Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Cherryplain, NY

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective resource for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair strands retain long-term traces of alcohol and other substances by preserving biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair shafts. Gathered near the scalp, hair offers nearly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipping.

A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, suitable for examination and verification. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair is acceptable. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key stages in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial sample processing within a laboratory's system. This step involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not serviced by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary inspection for drug presence. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to deny drug exposure in most samples, a positive screen result necessitates confirmation for court validity. Any samples that indicate a presumptive positive in Screening mandate a subsequent confirmation.

If a sample is flagged as presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Preparation. In this stage, drugs are obtained from hair at a reduced concentration compared to other techniques (ex. urine or oral fluid), signifying why hair drug screening is notably challenging.

Validation of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is subject to review under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and certified by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection duration: Hair drug screening can identify drug use up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter timeframe.
• Challenging to manipulate: It is quite complicated to manipulate a hair drug test, enhancing the reliability of results.
• Offers historical insight: It can reveal a timeline of drug usage over a stretch of time, not just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Incapable of recent detection: It generally requires about 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug evaluations are often more costly than other drug testing techniques.
• Diversity in outcomes: Variables such as hair hue and personal hair growth can impact drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Even though commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the focus of the test is the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cherryplain, NY
Hair follicle testing outshines urine testing by offering prolonged and precise detection of drug use. Unlike urine tests, which have limitations, hair tests provide a comprehensive and accurate picture of an individual's substance history. Employers increasingly prefer hair over urine testing for its superior detection capabilities.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Cherryplain, NY
Hair follicle tests remarkably detect drug use for up to 90 days, offering an extended view of an individual's drug history. This extended detection window helps employers gain a complete understanding of an applicant or employee's past substance use and makes informed decisions in Cherryplain.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cherryplain, NY
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces any chances of tampering, providing reliable, unquestionable results. Unlike other methods susceptible to adulteration, the observed collection process of hair testing ensures integrity. Employers benefit from the test's robust resistance to manipulation, ensuring trustworthy outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cherryplain, NY
Accredited Drug Testing provides multiple convenient testing centers nationwide, including local options in Cherryplain, NY. Accessibility ensures a seamless, easy testing process for individuals and employers alike. With numerous locations, you gain quick, hassle-free access wherever you're located.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Cherryplain, NY
Our hair testing process is straightforward and discreet. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, confidentiality is paramount. Clients in Cherryplain, NY, can trust in the simplicity and privacy of our process, ensuring ease of use and security throughout each testing phase.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cherryplain, NY
Our competitive pricing combined with rapid turnaround times offers excellent value to businesses of any size. Accredited Drug Testing in Cherryplain ensures you receive affordable, efficient results without compromising quality, providing peace of mind with every test conducted.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cherryplain, NY
Hair follicle testing ensures precision in detecting drug use, renowned for both speed and high accuracy. Compared to traditional methods, these tests quickly deliver reliable results, confirming substance use efficiently. This enhanced reliability makes hair testing an ideal choice for those requiring swift and dependable testing in Cherryplain.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cherryplain, NY
Hair follicle testing offers employers compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. Its long detection window and accuracy ensure adherence to organizational policies, fostering a secure work environment. Employers enjoy peace of mind, knowing they are protected against potential legal challenges.

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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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