Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Arlington Heights, OH

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has become regarded as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of drug and alcohol presence by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, the hair reveals a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A section of hair measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp delivers 100mg, the optimal amount for initial testing and validation. For EtG, supplemental testing, and/or panels above 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We advocate for weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent portion of body hair may be used. When referencing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial hair, axillary hair, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of drug test outcomes includes four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the introductory stage of entering a sample into a lab's framework. It ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any other data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody.

Screening is a preliminary check for illicit substances. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use in most samples, confirmation is required for any positive screen to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that indicate a possible positive in Screening need a secondary verification.

If Screening indicates a potential positive, additional hair is extracted and prepped for Extraction. Here, compounds are isolated from the hair at concentrations much more subtle than those in other tests (e.g., urine or saliva), explaining why hair drug analysis is so complex.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initially positive samples are washed before confirmation when necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug examinations can identify substance use for as long as 90 days, surpassing the shorter detection span of urine tests.
• High resistance to deception: The challenge in manipulating a hair drug exam leads to more precise results.
• Historical insight: It can exhibit a drug usage trend over time, rather than just recent intake.

Limitations:

• Lack of detection for recent use: Drugs only become visible in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug evaluations are typically pricier than alternative testing strategies.
• Result discrepancies: Factors such as hair pigment and personal hair growth rates can impact drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the focus is on the hair strand, not the follicle itself beneath the skin.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When evaluating drug screening methods in Arlington Heights, OH, hair follicle tests stand out compared to traditional urine tests. Their benefits include exceptional detection accuracy and reliability, making them superior. While urine tests can detect recent use, hair tests provide a longer detection window, highlighting past usage.

Alternative methods like urine testing often miss drug consumption that occurred weeks earlier, whereas hair testing covers up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive overview of substance use. This longer period accounts for its rising popularity among employers enforcing strict no-drug policies.

Extended Detection Window

In Arlington Heights, OH, hair follicle testing allows for an extended drug detection window, up to 90 days. This lengthy period gives employers insights into an individual's broader history of substance use, beyond recent events. Unlike other testing methods, hair analysis captures long-term patterns, useful for employer assessments.

This extended detection significantly influences hiring decisions and ensures workplace safety. Employers can confidently gauge whether potential hires or current employees align with company policies on drug use, fostering an ethical and secure work environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Arlington Heights, OH, hair follicle testing is recognized for its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other drug testing methods, hair samples are less susceptible to adulteration or substitution, ensuring the integrity of results. This reduces the likelihood of false negatives or incorrect assessments, maintaining a trustworthy screening process.

This reliability makes hair tests a preferred choice for employers and legal professionals who demand unquestionable results. The rigorous collection process ensures authenticity, providing all parties peace of mind and the assurance of accuracy in drug testing outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Offering convenient testing across nationwide locations including Arlington Heights, OH, Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy access to services. Our locations are strategically placed to facilitate quick and seamless testing experiences, whether for individual needs or corporate requirements.

Our local presence means minimal travel time, reducing inconvenience and ensuring that drug testing needs are met promptly. Clients benefit from our widespread network, allowing for flexible scheduling and efficient service delivery, ensuring compliance with testing mandates.

Simple, Confidential Process

The simple and confidential process of hair follicle testing in Arlington Heights, OH addresses concerns about privacy and ease of use. From ordering tests to receiving results, our streamlined process guarantees confidentiality, protecting individual privacy across all stages.

Clients experience minimal complexity when engaging in testing, enjoying peace of mind as their personal information is handled with the utmost care. Simplifying the entire procedure enhances client satisfaction and trust in our testing services.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our testing services in Arlington Heights, OH are known for affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. Competitive rates ensure that businesses of all sizes can access our drug testing services without financial strain. The quick results delivery further enhances convenience and peace of mind for employers.

With transparent pricing and no hidden fees, clients receive excellent value, reinforcing the decision to choose hair follicle testing. Our commitment to cost-effectiveness makes us a reliable partner for fulfilling your drug testing requirements efficiently.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Arlington Heights, OH deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of these tests is unmatched, providing high accuracy in substance detection. Hair testing ensures that even trace amounts of drugs are identified, making it a trustworthy tool for employers and law enforcement agencies seeking thorough evaluations.

The efficiency of hair follicle testing guarantees rapid turnaround times, allowing employers to make informed decisions promptly. Their reliability in uncovering long-term drug use patterns aids in maintaining a safe and compliant workplace environment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Arlington Heights, OH gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. By utilizing this method, businesses comply with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks. Hair testing aids in identifying substance abuse, ensuring organizational safety and integrity.

The confidence gained from reliable testing fosters a more responsible workforce. Employers can rest assured that they are making informed decisions, aligning with both legal requirements and company standards, ultimately creating a safer and more productive working environment.

Drug Testing Near Arlington Heights, OH

Deer Park, OH

Silverton, OH

Woodlawn, OH

Elmwood Place, OH

Golf Manor, OH

Lincoln Heights, OH

Amberley, OH

Wyoming, OH

Lockland, OH

Reading, OH

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