Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Dublin, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has gained recognition as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by retaining biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for both testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is suggested. We suggest weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equal quantity of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary phases in the laboratory analysis of a drug test sample are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial integration of a specimen into a lab’s workflow. This step includes checking that the specimen was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any additional data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening offers an initial swift review for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples showing presumptive positive results during Screening necessitate a further confirmation.

In cases where a sample shows presumptive positive results at Screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample for further Extraction. During this phase, substances are sourced from hair at a lower concentration than other testing methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis a challenging methodology.

Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every sample with presumptive positive results is cleansed prior to confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside the endorsement to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug tests can uncover drug use for as long as 90 days, as opposed to urine tests which typically have a briefer detection timeframe.
• Hard to manipulate: Manipulating hair drug tests is quite challenging, enhancing the accuracy of outcomes.
• Historical insight: Hair drug testing can detail a pattern of substance use over time, not only recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect current use: Drugs require roughly 5-7 days to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests cost more compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Variables such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Though frequently named "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Dublin, NC, the advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests are numerous. Hair testing boasts superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which typically detect substance use over a shorter window, hair follicle tests provide a broader and more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history.

Employers and professionals in Dublin, NC are increasingly opting for hair follicle testing due to its unparalleled accuracy and long detection periods. This method surpasses urine testing in identifying patterns of use and predicting long-term substance use trends.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Dublin, NC offers a significantly extended detection window, enabling drug use to be traced back up to 90 days. This provides employers with an in-depth view of an applicant or employee's substance history, allowing for more informed hiring and monitoring decisions.

The extended detection window afforded by hair follicle tests is a key advantage. Employers in Dublin, NC can leverage this feature to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's past drug use, enhancing their assessment capabilities during the recruitment and employment processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Dublin, NC are notably tamper-resistant, thus significantly curtailing the risks of sample adulteration. This testing method furnishes results that are reliable and unquestionable, ensuring confidence for both employers and individuals under evaluation.

The robustness and tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Dublin stand out as major benefits. These tests provide peace of mind by minimizing the potential for sample tampering and delivering dependable results that can be trusted without question.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Dublin, NC, the convenience of our nationwide testing centers allows for fast and hassle-free access to testing services. With community-focused facilities, individuals and employers alike can benefit from efficient and accessible drug testing solutions conveniently located in town.

Our local testing locations in Dublin, NC ensure straightforward access, eliminating unnecessary travel and making the entire process seamless and effective. Our network reaches across the country, providing reliable and quick services wherever needed.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Dublin, NC is designed to be simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use. From ordering the test to receiving results, every step is curated for a smooth and private experience.

Individuals and employers in Dublin can feel assured about the confidentiality and simplicity of the hair follicle testing process. This streamlined process supports their needs without compromising on privacy, offering a pleasant, hassle-free testing experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing in Dublin, NC offers affordable pricing structures with fast turnaround times, ensuring excellent value for companies of all sizes. Our competitive prices allow for budget-friendly testing solutions without compromising on quality.

For businesses in Dublin, NC seeking cost-effective drug testing services, our hair follicle testing offers a perfect balance of affordability and speed. Quick result delivery combined with attractive pricing highlights the unparalleled value we provide.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Dublin, NC, hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and fast results. These tests provide highly accurate detection of substance use, making them a preferred choice for diagnostic purposes. The rapid turnaround time ensures that individuals and employers receive results quickly without compromising on accuracy.

By choosing hair follicle testing, entities in Dublin, NC can benefit from the speed and reliability of this method. The opportunity to detect substances accurately sets these tests apart, providing top-notch diagnostic outcomes effectively and efficiently.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Dublin, NC can ensure compliance with workplace drug-free policies by utilizing hair follicle testing. This testing method minimizes legal risks and enhances workplace safety, providing owners and managers with peace of mind and assurance.

By integrating hair follicle testing into their regular safety protocols, employers in Dublin can maintain high standards of compliance. The benefits of this method are clear, as it supports maintaining a secure, drug-free workplace environment effectively.

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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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