Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Speed, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair tests are widely acknowledged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. When hair is harvested near the scalp, it offers an approximate 3-month detection range for alcohol and other substances. Collection of hair is straightforward, modifying it is relatively challenging, and it can be shipped with ease.

A hair sample of 1.5 inches comprised of roughly 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil in thickness) obtained nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, extra tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is suggested. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair is an alternative. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug test result processing in the lab comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes preliminarily recording a sample in the lab's system, confirming correct sealing and shipment of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for it to stand in court. Any samples tentatively positive during Screening necessitate further verification.

If Screening suggests a sample is positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration than methodologies like urine or oral fluid, which is why hair drug screening is the most complex methodology.

GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS is used for any positive result confirmation in Screening. Prior to confirmation, presumptive positive samples are washed as needed. The complete processing from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing identifies drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter window.
• Hard to falsify: Altering results in a hair drug test is very challenging, enhancing accuracy.
• Delivers historical insights: It reveals a drug use pattern over time, rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Not for recent use: Drugs manifest in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests are costlier compared to other drug testing methods.
• Result variance: Hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Often misnamed "hair follicle tests," the process actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing is favored in Speed, NC for its enhanced detection accuracy over urine tests. Hair testing captures a more extended history of substance use, which is crucial for thorough evaluations. The reliability of these tests is backed by their nearly cheat-proof nature, offering employers and officials an excellent alternative to traditional urinalysis.
Furthermore, these tests are not affected by momentary abstinence, giving a genuine reflection of substance use patterns.

Extended Detection Window

In Speed, NC, hair follicle testing stands out with its prolonged detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This extended period provides employers with a deeper understanding of an individual’s substance usage history, which is critical for making informed choices regarding employment.
Through this longer window, employers can better assess the potential risk factor of substance dependence.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Speed, NC ensures high reliability. These tests minimize the chance of adulteration, as samples are less prone to being tampered with when compared to other testing methods. This attribute guarantees the authenticity and trustworthiness of the results.
The collection procedure adds an extra layer of integrity, further reducing risks of test manipulation.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With Accredited Drug Testing, you have access to numerous nationwide testing centers, including in Speed, NC, for efficient testing services. This wide network ensures convenience and ease when booking a test, eliminating unnecessary hassles for both individuals and businesses.
No matter where you reside, prompt access to reliable testing centers is readily available.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of hair follicle testing in Speed, NC is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed with privacy and ease in mind, ensuring that the process is stress-free. This customer-centric approach assures users of their data security while providing an effortless testing experience.
With this transparent process, privacy concerns are effectively minimized.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Speed, NC, our hair follicle testing offers excellent value with competitive pricing and fast results. The quick turnaround times cater to the needs of businesses of all sizes, providing high-quality services without breaking the bank.
By balancing cost-effectiveness with speed and accuracy, our services ensure businesses receive outstanding value for their investment.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The accuracy and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Speed, NC make them an outstanding choice. These tests detect substance use with a degree of precision unmatched by other methods. The rapid turnaround times ensure that results are obtained when needed most, providing reliable data for decision-making.
This high accuracy stems from the test's ability to identify a wide range of substances, making it particularly useful in comprehensive screening scenarios.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Speed, NC gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, aligning with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method supports compliance, reducing potential legal issues, and enhancing overall safety within the workplace.
With hair follicle testing, employers ensure that their drug screening processes are both effective and comprehensive, delivering reassurance across their workforce.

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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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