Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Stantonsburg, NC

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture markers of alcohol and other substances, offering an extended timeline of substance use within the fiber of the growing hair. Close-to-scalp hair samples can reveal alcohol and drug presence for up to three months. Collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch lock of around 200 hairs (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp is sufficient for providing 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or testing beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. The term head hair pertains specifically to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

A sample undergoes Accessioning when it's initially processed into a lab’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any other required data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for abused substances. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screening needs confirmation to be accepted in legal settings. Any sample that tests positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.

In cases of a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations than in alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), indicating why hair drug analysis is the most complex methodology.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab progression from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair analysis can trace substance usage for as long as 90 days, unlike urine analyses with their more limited windows.
• Hard to cheat: Tampering with a hair drug test is extremely challenging, resulting in higher accuracy of results.
• Offers historical insights: It can indicate a trend of substance usage over time rather than just recent activities.

Limitations:

• No recent use detection: It typically requires 5-7 days for substances to be evident in hair.
• Expense: Hair analyses usually incur higher costs compared to other testing forms.
• Result inconsistencies: Aspects like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the testing process analyzes the hair strand, not the follicles beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Compared to urine tests, hair follicle analysis in Stantonsburg, NC, is superior for its prolonged detection capability. Reliability is a key factor, as hair testing can reveal up to 90 days of substance history, unlike traditional urine methods. Employers benefit from a higher accuracy rate, knowing that hair testing delivers a more comprehensive view of substance usage, ensuring a safer workplace.

Extended Detection Window

In Stantonsburg, NC, the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing provides a detailed look at an individual's substance history. With the capacity to detect drug use for up to 90 days, this method serves as an effective tool for employers wanting clear insights into potential hires or current employees' past substance behavior, helping make informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing is preferred in Stantonsburg, NC, for its robust nature against tampering. Unlike other testing methods, the chance of adulteration is significantly reduced, ensuring the integrity of results. This tamper-resistant nature makes hair testing a trusted option for reliable assessments, providing both employers and individuals with an accurate analysis.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accessible testing locations are crucial, and Stantonsburg, NC, benefits from our nationwide centers. This availability ensures easy, quick, and hassle-free testing experiences. Our local presence coupled with nationwide coverage means reliable, convenient access for all clients, making testing straightforward and accessible everywhere.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Stantonsburg, NC, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering, undergoing the test, to receiving the results, the process is designed with privacy as a priority. The assurance of confidentiality and ease provides clients with a sense of comfort, knowing their testing experience is private and streamlined.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive pricing and fast turnaround make Stantonsburg, NC's hair follicle testing a valuable choice for businesses. Healthcare budgets are considered, offering affordable options that do not sacrifice quality. Quick response times ensure efficient service, providing excellent value while maintaining a focus on client satisfaction and peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle testing in Stantonsburg, NC, boasts exceptional speed and precision. Accurate results identify substance use with efficiency, leaving little room for error. The benefits include a thorough detection process that ensures dependable outcomes, making these tests perfect for sensitive circumstances requiring fast, unquestionable results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Stantonsburg, NC, can find peace of mind using hair follicle testing. Ensuring compliance with drug-free policies, these tests reduce legal risks and enhance workplace safety. They help uphold company standards while promoting a healthy, compliant environment, reassuring employers of their commitment to maintaining a safe workplace.

Drug Testing Near Stantonsburg, NC

Pinetops, NC

Maury, NC

Belfast, NC

Fremont, NC

Elm City, NC

Macclesfield, NC

Farmville, NC

Pikeville, NC

Patetown, NC

Lucama, NC

Wilson, NC

Sandy Creek, NC

Walstonburg, NC

Black Creek, NC

Saratoga, 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