Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bridgetown, OH

What it is, How it works

Using hair analysis has emerged as an effective approach for identifying both drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive history of substance usage by embedding biomarkers within the growing strands. When extracted near the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, relatively complicated to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (akin to the width of a #2 pencil) proximal to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for initial tests and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or evaluations beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It is recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, the same quantity of body hair can be obtained. When referring to head hair, it specifically signifies scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four primary stages in the lab processing for drug test outcomes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the initial handling of a specimen into a laboratory’s framework. This involves confirming the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any other required data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening executes a rapid inspection for abuse substances. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for the majority of specimens, a positive result needs confirmation for court validity. Any samples found presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.

Should a sample prove presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction preparation. This stage extracts drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which is why hair drug testing is one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.

Confirmation of any preliminary positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can detect drug consumption for as long as 90 days, compared to urine tests, which offer more limited detection.
• Minimal possibility of deception: It is highly challenging to deceive a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical consumption profile: It can outline a pattern of substance use over time, rather than just current use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent intake: It requires around 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing typically incurs higher costs compared to other testing techniques.
• Divergence in results: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation examines the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair testing outshines urine testing in Bridgetown, OH, due to its superior detection accuracy and longer detection window. Compared to the urinary method, hair follicle tests extensively verify previous substance usage, thus reinforcing their reliability. For employers and legal professionals seeking thorough screenings, this method eliminates uncertainties and offers clear, precise results.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair testing is a standout feature, allowing employers in Bridgetown, OH, a broader insight into an individual's substance history. Spanning up to 90 days, this period offers a more comprehensive overview than traditional tests, effectively helping employers make informed decisions regarding potential hires or ongoing employee performance evaluations.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests are tamper-resistant, providing peace of mind with Bridgetown, OH's clients. The stringent sample collection process minimizes the risk of adulteration or substitution, ensuring the authenticity of results. This reliability is crucial for courts and employers demanding stringent standards and seeking unequivocal test outcomes, maintaining integrity throughout the process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient nationwide testing locations, including local services in Bridgetown, OH. This extensive network ensures quick and easy access to quality testing services, making the process seamless for clients. Regardless of where testing is needed, our centers guarantee professional and efficient service, tailored to meet a range of drug testing requirements.

Simple, Confidential Process

We offer a simple, confidential process in Bridgetown, OH, for hair follicle testing. From ordering your test to confidentially receiving results, privacy is our top priority. The entire procedure is streamlined to ensure ease for users, mitigating any stress typically associated with testing environments. Clients can trust in a sensitive approach that respects individual confidentiality concerns.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our hair follicle testing in Bridgetown, OH, is characterized by affordable pricing and fast turnaround. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from our cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or speed. The competitive pricing paired with rapid result delivery ensures excellent value, assisting companies to maintain compliance without stretching their budgets.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle testing offers precise results, distinguishing it as a trusted method in Bridgetown, OH. Test accuracy ensures reliable detection of substance use, unlike traditional methods. The science backing this testing assures patients of consistent results with fast processing times. Whether used for employment or legal purposes, follicle tests enhance clarity and decision-making efficiency.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Bridgetown, OH, hair follicle testing ensures compliance and peace of mind. Upholding drug-free workplace regulations reduces legal liabilities and enhances safety and productivity. Employers benefit from a consistent testing protocol that supports a supportive environment for both current employees and potential hires, securing organizational reputation and operational efficiency.

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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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