Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Beech Mountain, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now widely recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can illustrate up to roughly a 3-month detection span for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 strands of hair (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When talking about head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Procedure Summary

The four core steps in the laboratory handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the initial incorporation of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This comprises ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial quick assessment for potential drug abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage for most samples, any positive result needs validation to be admissible in legal settings. Samples that test positive presumptively in Screening require a secondary confirmation.

If a sample tests positive presumptively during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. During this phase, substances are removed from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), which is why screening of hair for drugs is the most complex methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is accomplished via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are washed as needed before confirmation. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Strengths of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug screenings can reveal drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a more limited detection period.
• Challenging to falsify: It’s very difficult to deceive a hair drug test, resulting in more precise outcomes.
• Offers historical insights: It can display a pattern of substance use over an extended duration, not just recent usage.

Drawbacks:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs take about 5-7 days to become detectable within the hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally cost more than other drug testing techniques.
• Variability in results: Factors such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the assessment focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing offers several advantages over traditional urine tests in Beech Mountain, NC. Its superior detection accuracy and extended reliability make it the preferred choice.

Unlike urine tests, hair testing boasts a longer detection period, providing a broader overview of drug use and significantly reducing chances of result manipulation.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Beech Mountain, NC, offers an extended detection window, identifying drug use over a vast timeline of up to 90 days.

This broader time frame allows employers to assess an individual's historical substance use comprehensively, aiding informed decision-making processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Beech Mountain, NC, hair follicle tests are designed to be tamper-resistant, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration.

The robust method ensures reliable and unquestionable results, protecting the integrity of the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience is key in Beech Mountain, NC, with our nationwide testing centers offering quick and hassle-free access to hair follicle drug testing services.

Easily accessible local facilities ensure timely and efficient testing, catering to diverse needs with ease and comfort.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our simple and confidential process in Beech Mountain, NC, makes ordering, testing, and receiving results straightforward and privacy-focused.

Clients can rest assured knowing their information is handled with utmost confidentiality, ensuring a smooth, undisruptive experience from start to finish.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Beech Mountain, NC, we offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times on our hair follicle drug testing services.

Delivering value without compromising on speed or accuracy, our competitive pricing structures benefit companies of all sizes, providing peace of mind and reliable results efficiently.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Beech Mountain, NC, are unparalleled. With their remarkable accuracy, these tests can reliably detect substance use.

Offering fast and accurate results, hair follicle tests provide detailed insights, ensuring timely reporting essential in making informed decisions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Beech Mountain, NC, gain peace of mind knowing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies.

This method mitigates legal risks and enhances workplace safety, fostering a secure environment for all.

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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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