Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Harveysburg, OH

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By locking biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand, hair offers a long-term overview of alcohol and drug use. When harvested near the scalp, hair is capable of providing an approximate detection window of 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, fairly resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp contains 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary phases in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning consists of the initial entry of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data recording not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment of drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be legally valid. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening do require subsequent confirmation.

If a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than with alternative techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging methodology to perform.

Verification of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated 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 tests can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which possess a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: It is extremely challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, resulting in more accurate outcomes.
• Offers historical insight: It presents a pattern of drug consumption over a period, rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent usage: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than other drug testing methods.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle tests in Harveysburg, OH, clearly surpass conventional urine tests in several ways. One outstanding advantage is their superior detection accuracy, providing clearer insights into an individual's substance use over an extended period.

Reliability is another key benefit of hair testing. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests in Harveysburg present a more dependable option, minimizing the chances of evasion.

Extended Detection Window

One of the remarkable features of hair follicle testing in Harveysburg, OH, is its extended detection window. Capable of revealing drug usage for up to 90 days, these tests offer an extensive view of an individual’s substance use history.

For employers, this long-term insight is invaluable, enabling more informed decision-making regarding potential hires based on comprehensive substance use profiles.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Harveysburg, OH, offers a level of security unmatched by other methods. The integrity of the sample is preserved from the point of collection, vastly diminishing any opportunities for tampering or adulteration.

This robust resistance to tampering ensures the results are reliable, providing complete confidence to those relying on the accuracy of their drug testing protocols.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience with nationwide testing centers available, including locations in Harveysburg, OH. This broad network guarantees easy access to testing facilities, allowing for hassle-free scheduling and testing procedures.

The local presence in Harveysburg ensures that drug testing is both quick and convenient, supporting individuals and businesses alike with reliable service.

Simple, Confidential Process

The drug testing process in Harveysburg, OH, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Ordering, undergoing, and obtaining results from hair follicle tests are streamlined for ease of use.

This simplicity and privacy are paramount, catering to individuals’ concerns about confidentiality while ensuring accurate and timely results.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Harveysburg, OH, Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing models for hair follicle tests, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality or speed. The quick turnaround times add significant value for companies of all sizes, providing prompt and cost-effective solutions.

With these benefits, businesses can confidently manage their drug testing needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The effectiveness and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Harveysburg, OH, make them an outstanding choice. These tests deliver accurate results by effectively identifying a variety of substances. Their quick turnaround ensures that employers and individuals have reliable information promptly.

In terms of precision, hair follicle tests in Harveysburg offer unmatched accuracy. This high level of precision is a critical asset for those seeking trustworthy substance use detection methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

The use of hair follicle testing in Harveysburg, OH, enhances compliance with workplace drug policies and peace of mind for employers. By ensuring adherence to drug-free policies, businesses can significantly reduce legal risks associated with substance misuse.

Moreover, this testing significantly boosts workplace safety, fostering a more secure and productive environment for all employees.

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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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