Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bell Arthur, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now regarded as a highly effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of the growing hair strand capture biomarkers, offering a historical record of alcohol and drug use. When cut near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol consumption for up to around three months. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A section of hair measuring 1.5 inches in length and consisting of about 200 strands (the same thickness as a #2 pencil) from the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding ten panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen. In cases where scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. Our reference to head hair pertains specifically to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

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

During Accessioning, the sample undergoes preliminary handling within the laboratory's system. This entails verifying correct sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing supplementary data entry if not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves an expedited assessment for abuse-related drugs. Although Screening efficiently eliminates suspicion of drug use across numerous samples, legal admissibility requires confirmation of a positive screen. Presumptive positives from Screening necessitate follow-up confirmation.

In instances of presumptive positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. At this stage, drug extraction from hair occurs at significantly lower concentrations than in methods like urine or oral fluid tests, making hair drug testing particularly challenging.

Confirmation of any screened positive result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation when required. The complete laboratory procedure, encompassing Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, ensuring more reliable results.
• Offers usage history: It allows observation of a substance usage pattern over months, not merely recent activity.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent intake: Drugs take about 5-7 days to appear in hair samples.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair pigmentation and individual growth rates can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bell Arthur, NC

When comparing the efficacy of hair testing to traditional urine methods, hair follicle tests present notable advantages. They not only offer a longer detection window but also ensure higher reliability and accuracy, making them the superior choice for discerning accurate substance use.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Bell Arthur, NC

Hair follicle testing offers an expansive detection window, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This extensive timeframe provides employers with a complete overview of an individual's drug history, whether it's an applicant or an existing employee.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bell Arthur, NC

The hair follicle testing method significantly diminishes the possibility of sample tampering. This ensures the results remain uncompromised and trustworthy, providing peace of mind with each test conducted.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bell Arthur, NC

Our expansive network of testing centers ensures easy access for drug testing services. This convenience allows for swift, uncomplicated, and hassle-free testing, both locally in Bell Arthur and across the nation.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Bell Arthur, NC

The drug testing process is straightforward, ensuring confidentiality from ordering to receiving your results. This approach prioritizes user privacy and seamless execution, addressing all concerns effectively.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bell Arthur, NC

We offer competitive pricing and expedite turnaround times, guaranteeing excellent value for businesses. Whether large or small, companies can count on us for budget-friendly and efficient service delivery.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bell Arthur, NC

Hair follicle drug testing in Bell Arthur stands out for its precise and swift outcomes. With advanced detection capabilities, it ensures high accuracy in identifying substance use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bell Arthur, NC

Implementing hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It minimizes potential legal challenges and fosters a safer work environment, offering reassurance to employers.

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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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