Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Orrin, ND

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of its growing strands. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to adulterate, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch section of close to 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp offers 100mg of hair, the ideal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is preferred. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a similar amount of body hair may be used. Reference to head hair signifies scalp hair exclusively. Body hair refers to any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning pertains to the initial sample processing within a laboratory's system. This step involves ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening constitutes a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

If a sample demonstrates presumptive positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging to conduct.

Confirmation of positive screening results is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation when required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests which have a more limited detection duration.
• Difficulty in cheating: Hair drug tests are challenging to cheat, leading to more accurate outcomes.
• Offers historical insights: It can reveal a pattern of drug usage over time, not just immediate use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs require about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs compared to other drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Orrin, ND

When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine analysis, the advantages become evident. Hair tests offer superior accuracy and a longer detection window, capturing substance use even after weeks. They deliver dependable and precise results that are often unattainable with urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Orrin, ND

One of the remarkable attributes of hair follicle testing is its extended detection timeframe. While traditional testing might miss a history of substance use, hair testing provides insights spanning up to 90 days, offering employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use patterns.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Orrin, ND

The hair follicle test notably reduces the risk of tampering, a significant concern with other testing methods. By using hair samples, the danger of adulteration is lessened, delivering results that are trustworthy and difficult to dispute.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Orrin, ND

Accredited Drug Testing boasts an expansive network of testing centers, providing easy access to services throughout the country. Residents of Orrin, ND can confidently engage with local locations, knowing that support is readily available whenever needed.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Orrin, ND

The process of ordering, undergoing, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and secure. This seamless approach prioritizes patient confidentiality, ensuring that individuals feel comfortable and assured of their privacy throughout the testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Orrin, ND

The competitive pricing alongside rapid turnaround times positions us as a fantastic option for businesses of all sizes. Our efficient processes ensure that companies receive valuable and prompt insights without undue expenditure.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Orrin, ND

The precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug tests stand out dramatically. Their remarkable accuracy in identifying substance use ensures that results are not only timely but also dependable. This efficiency makes them a preferred choice for those seeking reliable testing outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Orrin, ND

Employers benefit from the reliability of hair follicle testing for maintaining drug-free workplaces. The methodology aids in compliance with regulations, thereby diminishing legal risks and assuring workplace safety, which in turn fosters a harmonious work environment.

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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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