Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Northwest, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair assessments have emerged as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands. When extracted near the scalp, hair samples can offer an approximately 90-day detection period for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, making it challenging to tamper with, and the samples are straightforward to transport.

A segment measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hairs (equivalent to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for assessment and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, 150mg of hair is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't an option, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (beard, underarm, etc.).

Process Overview

The principal procedures in laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the preliminary incorporation of a sample into the laboratory system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipment of the sample, the assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completion of any manual data input not captured by electronic custody systems.

Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for drug use. While Screening offers a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation to be suitable for legal proceedings. Any specimens with presumptive positives in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.

Should a specimen test presumptively positive during Screening, additional strands are taken from the initial batch and readied for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), underscoring the complexity of hair drug analysis.

Confirming any positive findings from Screening involves techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All specimens with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accredited according to ISO / IEC 17025 requirements.

Benefits of hair drug analysis:

• Extended detection period: Hair assessments can pinpoint drug use up to 90 days prior, unlike urine tests with shorter periods.
• Low susceptibility to tampering: Cheating a hair drug analysis is considerably difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers chronological data: It outlines a pattern of drug consumption over time, not just recent activities.

Drawbacks:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Drugs become noticeable in hair approximately 5-7 days following use.
• Expense: Hair assessments tend to be pricier than other drug analysis techniques.
• Variability in results: Elements like hair pigment and personal discrepancies in hair growth might influence metabolite concentrations.

Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle evaluations", the analysis focuses on the hair shaft rather than the follicular unit beneath the surface

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Northwest, NC, hair follicle testing shines compared to traditional urine tests. Its primary advantage is superior detection accuracy. While urine tests have a shorter detection window, hair tests can detect drug use over a longer period, providing more reliable insight into substance history. This increased accuracy makes hair testing the preferred choice in various settings.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Northwest, NC, offers an extended detection window up to 90 days, making it an invaluable tool for employers. This test provides a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, presenting a broader picture compared to other testing methods. The extended window highlights the effectiveness of hair testing in offering in-depth insights.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

One significant advantage of hair follicle tests in Northwest, NC, is their tamper-resistant nature. This method greatly reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration, ensuring the results are both reliable and unquestionable. Compared to other testing methods, hair tests are less susceptible to manipulation, reinforcing their credibility for accurate testing outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations nationwide, including in Northwest, NC. Our expansive network allows for quick, hassle-free access to our services, making it easy for individuals and employers to conduct tests. This extensive reach ensures that no matter where you are, high-quality testing is always accessible.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Northwest, NC, is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are streamlined to prioritize user privacy and ease. This straightforward approach addresses concerns and ensures a stress-free experience, from start to finish, for everyone involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Northwest, NC, hair follicle testing stands out with its affordable pricing and rapid turnaround. Our competitive pricing structures ensure cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizes, while quick result delivery provides peace of mind. We offer excellent value, making high-quality testing accessible without breaking the bank.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug test in Northwest, NC, is renowned for its impeccable speed and accuracy. This method provides rapid, precise detection of substance use, offering results that are both quick and reliable, ensuring dependable outcomes.
With cutting-edge technology, these tests deliver trustworthy results, making hair testing an effective choice over other methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Northwest, NC, gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. By utilizing this method, organizations ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal challenges, and enhancing workplace safety. The integration of hair testing promotes a secure working environment, benefiting both employers and employees alike.

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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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