Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Saint Stephens, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by embedding markers within the strands of growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.

A 1.5-inch sample comprising about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) from the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analysis, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain to scalp hair only, while body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary steps in processing a drug test result in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial processing of a sample in a laboratory’s system. It includes verifying proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Any samples with presumptive positives in Screening need further confirmation.

If the Screening stage yields a presumptive positive, more hair is taken from the initial specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are pulled from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to perform.

Confirmation of any positive result from screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection window.
• Challenge to cheat: It is highly difficult to manipulate a hair drug test, resulting in more reliable results.
• Offers historical insight: It can provide a usage pattern over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent consumption: Drugs need approximately 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically more costly than other drug testing techniques.
• Inconsistencies in results: Variables like hair color and individual growth can impact drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Despite being often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing outperforms urine analysis in Saint Stephens, NC.

• Hair testing boasts a longer detection period, offering insight beyond immediate consumption.
• Its reliability surpasses traditional methods, reducing false negatives or positives.
• In Saint Stephens, this high accuracy is preferred by organizations enforcing zero tolerance policies.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle analysis provides an extended detection window up to 90 days.

• Employers in Saint Stephens, NC benefit from a detailed view of an individual's substance history.
• This extended period surpasses urine testing, offering a comprehensive assessment period.
• The test collects historical data, supporting informed decision-making for employers.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Saint Stephens, NC, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant procedure.

• This method curtails risks of sample manipulation, providing reliable results.
• It's nearly impossible to alter, guaranteeing the integrity of the test findings.
• With unquestionable results, this testing method is a dependable choice for local employers.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient testing locations in Saint Stephens, NC offer ease and accessibility.

• Our extensive network of testing centers provides quick access nationwide.
• Local facilities ensure testing services are hassle-free for residents.
• This widespread availability supports timely assessments and evaluations.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Saint Stephens, NC, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential.

• Ordering, executing, and retrieving results is streamlined for user convenience.
• Privacy concerns are addressed, securing user data throughout the process.
• Ease of use ensures participation without complications, promoting user satisfaction.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

We offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Saint Stephens, NC.

• Affordable rates ensure cost-effective solutions for businesses regardless of size.
• Quick results provide timely information, supporting efficient business operations.
• This combination delivers value and reassurance to all involved parties.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Saint Stephens, NC, hair follicle drug tests provide swift, precise, and trustworthy outcomes.

• The precision of hair testing ensures substance use is detected with accuracy.
• This method offers a quick turnaround, making it efficient for employers needing fast results.
• With its high accuracy, hair follicle tests eliminate doubts, offering clear and definitive findings.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing ensures compliance and peace of mind for employers in Saint Stephens, NC.

• Utilizing this method supports workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities.
• It enhances a safe and secure working environment for all employees.
• Employers gain confidence through predictable testing results, promoting assurance.

Drug Testing Near Saint Stephens, NC

Taylorsville, NC

Sawmills, NC

Maiden, NC

Icard, NC

Granite Falls, NC

Rhodhiss, NC

Hildebran, NC

Claremont, NC

Longview, NC

Northlakes, NC

Brookford, NC

Catawba, NC

Conover, NC

Hickory, NC

St. Stephens, 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