Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Falcon, NC

What it is, How it works

The analysis of hair has emerged as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains extended records of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate three-month detection period for substances. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair—the perfect amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests over 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It’s recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When we speak of head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary).

Process Overview

The process of laboratory analysis for a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the step where the sample is first processed into the laboratory system. This phase includes ensuring the sample is securely sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening refers to the preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive finding requires confirmation to be legally recognized. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.

If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, further hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. Drugs are then extracted at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), accounting for the complexity of performing hair drug analyses.

The Confirmation of positive results is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples testing presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation guidelines.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug assessments identify substance use for up to 90 days, unlike the shorter span of urine tests.
• Hard to tamper with: Cheating a hair drug test is highly challenging, thereby enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical insights: It unveils patterns of substance use over time, beyond just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Does not detect immediate use: Drugs require roughly 5-7 days to show up in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs compared to alternative methods.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and individual growth differences can impact drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle underneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Falcon, NC
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests with superior detection accuracy. Offering a more reliable method, it captures an extended history of substance use, unlike urine tests, which are limited to recent consumption, thus delivering more comprehensive results.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Falcon, NC
Hair follicle tests reveal drug use over a span that can reach up to 90 days. This extensive detection period allows employers to gain better insights into an individual's history with substances, surpassing the limitations of shorter-term testing methods.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Falcon, NC
Utilizing hair follicle drug tests significantly minimizes the risks of sample tampering or adulteration. This highly reliable method provides clear and trustworthy results, crucial for maintaining integrity in drug testing processes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Falcon, NC
With a network of testing centers across the nation, including Falcon, our services offer easy access and convenience. These facilities ensure swift and efficient testing procedures reducing the hassle for individuals and companies alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Falcon, NC
Our drug testing process emphasizes simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, clients experience an efficient and private experience with assured data protection, addressing privacy concerns effectively.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Falcon, NC
Competitive pricing options paired with rapid results delivery make our hair follicle testing services cost-effective. Catering to businesses of all sizes, we ensure excellent value and satisfaction through timely service.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Falcon, NC
The precision of hair follicle drug testing is unmatched in detecting substance use quickly and accurately. The analysis provides dependable results, ensuring no substance use goes unnoticed, making it a preferred choice for those seeking efficient testing methods in Falcon, North Carolina.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Falcon, NC
Hair follicle testing supports compliance with workplace drug-free policies. Employers benefit from reduced legal risks and enhanced safety, ensuring a secure working environment aligned with drug policy standards.

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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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