Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Fontana Village, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has gained recognition as a potent approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a longitudinal view of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When collected near the scalp, it can reveal up to a three-month timeline of alcohol and drug usage. Hair is easy to collect, resistant to tampering, and simple to send.

A sample sized at 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil thickness) next to the scalp, yields 100mg, the preferred quantity for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional elements, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the hair sample. In situations where scalp hair is unavailable, a matching quantity of body hair may suffice. When discussing head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step involves verifying proper sealing and shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is an initial, rapid assessment for illicit drugs. While it is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result must be verified for legal purposes, necessitating further confirmation for any samples marked as presumptively positive during Screening.

Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the original specimen is prepared for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at notably lower concentrations than those in other methods, like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to conduct.

Positive screening outcomes undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples tagged as presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory workup from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a narrower detection range.
• Challenging to manipulate: The difficulty in altering hair drug tests enhances their accuracy.
• Historical record: It offers a pattern of drug use over time, rather than merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent consumption: Drugs require approximately 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs compared to other testing methods.
• Variability in findings: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: While often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

The superiority of hair follicle testing over traditional urine testing in Fontana Village, NC, is evident. Hair testing offers unmatched detection accuracy and reliability, unparalleled by urine tests. The capability to identify a more extended history of drug use highlights its effectiveness. Employers and authorities increasingly prefer hair tests for their exceptional benefits over conventional methods.

Extended Detection Window

In Fontana Village, NC, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, crucial in evaluating substance use over time. Unlike other methods, it uncovers drug use up to 90 days, offering employers insights into an individual's substance history. This comprehensive view aids in informed decision-making, ensuring a thorough understanding of an applicant's or employee's habits.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Fontana Village, NC, stands out due to its tamper-resistant nature. This testing method greatly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, thereby guaranteeing reliable and indisputable results. The secure collection procedure reinforces the integrity of the test outcomes, making it a highly trusted alternative in sensitive drug testing scenarios.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Fontana Village, NC, offers convenient testing locations nationwide, making hair follicle testing easily accessible. Our widespread network ensures rapid and effortless testing services without the hassle. This convenience provides individuals and businesses with the flexibility needed for timely and efficient testing, supporting diverse needs efficiently.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Fontana Village, NC, is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving results, the steps are designed with privacy and ease of use in mind. Addressing concerns of confidentiality, the process reassures those getting tested of their privacy at all stages, enhancing user experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Fontana Village, NC, hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, providing value to businesses regardless of size. Our competitive pricing structures ensure excellent value while maintaining the quality and speed of service. Quick processing times offer peace of mind and efficiency, making it an attractive option for employers.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results in Fontana Village, NC. The testing process boasts high precision in detecting substance use effectively. Employers and healthcare professionals can be assured of their accuracy, making it a trusted choice for drug testing requirements. The ability to deliver quick results further enhances its reliability and appeal.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Fontana Village, NC, can benefit from hair follicle testing for compliance and peace of mind. The method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, promoting a safe and healthy working environment. By reducing legal risks, it allows businesses to operate smoothly and confidently, knowing they meet strict industry compliance standards.

Drug Testing Near Fontana Village, NC

Brasstown, NC

Hayesville, NC

Whittier, NC

Cherokee, NC

Alarka, NC

Bryson City, NC

Boiling Springs, NC

Marble, NC

Lauada, NC

Andrews, NC

Almond, NC

Topton, NC

Robbinsville, NC

Graham, NC

Lake Santeetlah, NC

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews