Hair Follicle Drug Testing - La Croft, OH

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is currently regarded as an effective method for discovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drug presence by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can indicate a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample of hair measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of approximately 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an ideal amount for screening and validation. For EtG, additional panels, or tests beyond 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is suggested. The specimen should be weighed on a jeweler's scale for precision. Should scalp hair not be obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair refers to all other types like facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The laboratory workflow for processing a drug test outcome involves four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the lab's system, which involves verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and handling any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening acts as a preliminary rapid evaluation for substance misuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to identify drug consumption in most samples, positive results require confirmation for legal admissibility. All samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.

If a sample is deemed presumptively positive in the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation in the Extraction stage. In this phase, the concentration of drugs is extracted from hair at much lower levels than in other testing methods (like urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is the most complex technique to execute.

Any positive results from Screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can trace drug consumption for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have shorter detection periods.
• Difficulty in falsification: Cheating on a hair drug test is notably hard, ensuring more precise outcomes.
• Tracks historical usage: It offers a pattern of substance use over a duration, not just recent episodes.

Limitations:

• Detects non-recent use: Drugs take around 5-7 days to become observable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is generally pricier compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Possible result variations: Hair color and individual hair growth differences may influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Despite being frequently called "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing detection accuracy in La Croft, OH, hair follicle tests outperform traditional urine tests. Hair samples capture drug use over a more extended period, offering superior detection capabilities that urine tests cannot match.

This broader detection scope provides a robust overview of an individual's substance use, making hair testing a favored option for employers with strict drug policies.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in La Croft, OH, spans up to 90 days, giving employers insights into long-term substance habits that traditional tests might miss. This comprehensive view aids in informed hiring or employee retention decisions.

This method of testing serves as a preventative measure, deterring potential substance misuse through awareness of rigorous and long-lasting detection capabilities.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

With hair follicle drug testing in La Croft, OH, the risk of tampering is greatly minimized. This method of sample collection is less prone to adulteration, ensuring the integrity of the test results remains intact.

Employers and organizations can trust in this test's robustness, knowing that the outcomes are a true reflection of an individual’s substance exposure over time.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

La Croft, OH, benefits from our extensive network of nationwide testing facilities, offering a seamless experience for those seeking hair follicle drug tests. Local centers make it convenient for individuals to access testing services without unnecessary travel.

Our easily accessible locations ensure that getting tested is a hassle-free process, aligning with busy schedules and providing flexibility for testing needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

In La Croft, OH, the process of hair follicle drug testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting samples and receiving results, each step is designed to protect privacy and simplify the experience.

This user-friendly process ensures comfort for all parties involved, encouraging a stress-free approach to meeting testing requirements and maintaining confidentiality throughout.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing for hair follicle testing in La Croft, OH, combining affordability with rapid turnaround times. This cost-effective approach means businesses of all sizes can access high-quality testing services.

Quick results ensure minimal waiting, allowing for timely decisions and sustaining business operations without unnecessary delays, all at a price that fits organizational budgets.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The speed and reliability of hair follicle drug testing in La Croft, OH, make it a preferred choice for accurate substance detection. Coupled with fast processing times, these tests offer results that businesses can rely on, ensuring quick decision-making and minimal disruptions.

Hair testing ensures a high level of accuracy due to its method of collection, reducing the chances of contamination or errors, thus giving employers confidence in their workforce assessments.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Implementing hair follicle drug testing in La Croft, OH, helps businesses maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing approach supports legal standards, minimizing litigation risks and enhancing the overall safety of the workplace.

Employers gain peace of mind, knowing that they are upholding high standards and promoting a healthier work environment for everyone involved.

Drug Testing Near La Croft, OH

Irondale, OH

Lake Tomahawk, OH

Port Jefferson, OH

Wellsville, OH

Calcutta, OH

East Liverpool, OH

Columbiana, OH

Glenmoor, 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