Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Greenvale, NY

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft during its growth. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easily shipped.

A 1.5-inch sample containing around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect quantity for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, this refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is processed into the lab's system. This process checks that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any missing data not included by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient measure to dismiss drug use in the majority of samples, any positive screen must undergo confirmation to be legally viable. Samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

If a sample is deemed presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a concentration markedly lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis the most intricate approach to carry out.

Confirmation of a positive screening result is executed utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are prepped through washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, versus urine tests which offer a shorter window for detection.
• Tough to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely hard, enhancing the accuracy of the results.
• Offers longitudinal insight: It can show a timeline of drug usage over an interval, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of identifying recent usage: It requires around 5-7 days for drugs to appear in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier compared to alternative drug testing approaches.
• Result variation: Aspects like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the level of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Greenvale, NY, surpasses traditional urine tests by offering clearer insights and more reliable findings. While urine tests are common, hair testing's ability to detect substances accurately over a longer period sets it apart. Its superior detection capability makes it an invaluable tool for various screening needs, ensuring a more extensive understanding of substance use.

Extended Detection Window

In Greenvale, NY, hair follicle testing's extended detection window gives employers detailed insights into an individual’s substance use history. Covering up to 90 days, this method offers a comprehensive overview of usage, making it preferable for employers seeking detailed drug history. Such an extensive detection span makes hair testing an invaluable resource for making informed decisions regarding hiring and maintaining safety standards.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Greenvale, NY, offers a tamper-resistant method of drug screening, making it highly dependable. Reducing risks of sample adulteration, this method assures test accuracy and unquestionable results, minimizing fraudulent attempts. By using this advanced technique, organizations can confidently rely on the outcomes to make informed employment and compliance decisions.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Greenvale, NY, benefits from a network of nationwide testing centers offering convenience and accessibility. These locations provide straightforward and efficient testing services, ensuring that individuals have easy access without hassle. The extensive reach of these centers guarantees swift testing procedures, accommodating both local and widespread needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Greenvale, NY, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and discreet, emphasizing privacy and ease. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to maintain confidentiality, alleviating privacy concerns. This simplicity in procedure ensures that clients experience a seamless and comfortable testing process, with reliable outcomes.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Hair follicle testing in Greenvale, NY, offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, providing excellent value for businesses of all sizes. This testing solution is designed to fit various budgets, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality. The fast processing of results delivers peace of mind swiftly, enhancing decision-making for employers.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Greenvale, NY, hair follicle testing stands out for its precision and swiftness in determining substance usage. This testing offers a high degree of accuracy, making it a trusted choice for those needing reliable results. The process is designed to quickly and effectively detect a wide range of substances, ensuring that individuals and organizations receive the most accurate data possible.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Greenvale, NY, gain assurance from hair follicle testing, as it supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, offering peace of mind to employers. By promoting a secure work environment, organizations can effectively manage policies, ensuring employee health and adhering to industry standards.

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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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