Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Enfield, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When the sample is taken near the scalp, it can reveal nearly three months' worth of alcohol and drug use. Hair is easy to collect, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (the size of a #2 pencil) from close to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the recommended sample for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests with over 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We suggest the sample be measured on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug test result processing involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

The Accessioning stage includes the initial sample processing into the lab’s system. This stage checks the sample for proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary inspection for drugs of abuse. Screening is cost-effective to exclude drug use in most cases, yet any positive result needs further confirmation to be valid legally. Samples that are positively indicated in Screening require secondary verification.

If a sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, hair holds drugs at a weaker concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid); which is why hair drug testing is among the most challenging methodologies.

Verification of any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumed positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is validated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests which have a reduced detection time.
• Hard to manipulate: Tampering with hair drug tests is extremely challenging, enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers usage history: It shows a trend of drug consumption over time, instead of just recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent consumption: It requires between 5-7 days before drugs are detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug screening typically costs more than alternative testing approaches.
• Result variations: Hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites present.

Note: Though often called “hair follicle tests,” the method analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Enfield, NC holds distinct advantages over traditional urine testing. One of the most significant benefits lies in the superior accuracy and dependability in detecting drug use. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses present a broader timeframe for detection, offering a more comprehensive insight into substance usage.

Moreover, hair follicle tests are less susceptible to evasion tactics, ensuring that outcomes are reflective of true habits. This credibility cements its role as a preferred testing choice among various sectors.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing's extensive detection window gives employers in Enfield, NC an invaluable tool to gauge an applicant or employee's substance use history over the past 90 days. Unlike other methods, this analysis provides insight into long-term patterns of behavior, allowing for informed employment decisions.

This capability ensures organizations understand the broader context of a candidate's drug consumption history, promoting healthier work environments through informed selections.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Enfield, NC, hair follicle testing stands out due to its resistance to sample tampering. This method drastically reduces risks associated with specimen adulteration, presenting results that are both reliable and beyond reproach.

Through stringent collection processes, hair testing diminishes the probability of fraud, protecting employers and stakeholders from unreliable data. The trustworthiness of this test makes it indispensable for applications where integrity is paramount.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient locations nationwide including Enfield, NC, Accredited Drug Testing ensures accessible, hassle-free services. The widespread network of testing centers facilitates prompt and simple access to essential drug assessment services.

This extensive reach supports organizations seeking reliable testing solutions without the inconvenience of distant facilities, ensuring swift and straightforward testing experiences across various locales.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Enfield, NC is both simple and confidential, addressing any privacy concerns individuals might have. From ordering to receiving results, the entire journey is designed for user ease.

Clients can rest assured knowing their data remains secure, further complemented by a streamlined testing procedure that prioritizes confidentiality alongside efficiency in delivery.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing guarantees affordable pricing and rapid results for hair follicle analyses in Enfield, NC. Our competitive pricing structures make it feasible for organizations of all sizes to employ thorough drug testing without financial strain.

The swift turnaround times reassures clients of timely data availability, balancing effective cost management with the need for immediate, actionable insights.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug testing in Enfield, NC, are unmatched. This method offers remarkably accurate results when detecting substance presence. The intricate analysis performed on hair samples categorically identifies drug usage, providing trustworthy results that stakeholders can rely upon.

Employers and authorities benefit from the expeditious process of hair follicle testing, ensuring timely feedback crucial for decisive action. The reliability in pinpointing exact substances aligns with maintaining safe and compliant practices.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Enfield, NC find hair follicle testing advantageous for ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free initiatives. This method lessens the legal vulnerabilities tied to non-compliance, promoting a safer, risk-reduced workplace.

By establishing rigorous testing protocols, stakeholders attain peace of mind, knowing their workforce aligns with company policies and safety standards. Consistent use of hair testing nurtures a culture of responsibility and security.

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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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