Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bethania, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is regarded as an efficient means of detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Collecting strands near the scalp allows hair to offer up to a 90-day detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen's weight. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable body hair sample may be taken. Here, scalp hair refers specifically to head hair, while body hair includes other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes initially entering a sample into a lab's system, confirming the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not cover.

Screening involves a preliminary, rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening provides a cost-effective method for ruling out drugs in most samples, any positive result necessitates confirmation if it is to be legally valid. Any sample that tests positive in Screening requires subsequent confirmation.

If a sample yields a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, hair drugs are extracted at a much lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair testing is considered the most complex method to conduct.

The confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that are presumptive positives undergo a washing process prior to confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair analysis can trace drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which offer a shorter window.
• Harder to evade: Tampering with a hair test is exceedingly difficult, thus yielding more reliable results.
• Tracks usage patterns: Offers a historical overview of drug consumption over time, beyond just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Higher cost: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs compared to alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests" frequently, these tests analyze the hair strand rather than the follicle situated beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Bethania, NC, hair follicle testing is proving to be a superior alternative to traditional urine testing. Unlike urine tests that only detect recent drug use, hair follicle tests offer an extensive detection window, thus providing enhanced accuracy and reliability. This method uncovers a comprehensive history of substance use, making it a preferred choice for those needing thorough and reliable test outcomes.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Bethania, NC, is a significant advantage. Capable of reviewing substance use over a 90-day period, employers gain a detailed perspective of an individual's drug history. This comprehensive view is essential for making informed decisions regarding employment, creating an in-depth analysis of drug habits over time.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

One of the highlights of hair follicle testing in Bethania, NC, is its tamper-resistant nature. The risk of sample adulteration is drastically reduced, ensuring that the results are both reliable and beyond question. This integrity offers peace of mind to employers and ensures accurate testing, a crucial factor in maintaining rigorous substance control standards.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous testing centers nationwide, including Bethania, NC, we ensure convenience for all our clients. Accessible and hassle-free, our centers make it easy to undergo testing promptly. This extensive network guarantees that our services are within reach, regardless of your location, making drug testing a seamless experience.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our simple and confidential testing process in Bethania, NC prioritizes ease of use and privacy. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, we strive to ensure confidentiality and straightforwardness throughout. This approach addresses privacy concerns and promotes a stress-free experience for all those involved in the testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

With competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times, our services in Bethania, NC deliver excellent value. We cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring our hair follicle testing is both affordable and efficient. Such cost-effectiveness, paired with quick results, provides companies with the peace of mind they need when it comes to drug testing.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

For fast, precise, and reliable results in Bethania, NC, hair follicle drug tests are a standout option. Known for their exceptional accuracy, these tests quickly detect substance use without the inaccuracies common in other methods. Employers and individuals alike benefit from the speed and reliability these tests provide, making them an ideal choice for those prioritizing accuracy.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Bethania, NC. By reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, employers can focus on maintaining a productive environment. Implementing these tests offers peace of mind, knowing that they are adhering to necessary standards and regulations, greatly reducing potential legal complications.

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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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