Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Mariemont, OH

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is viewed as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol intake. Hair strands record a long-term history of alcohol and drugs through the capture of biomarkers within the fibers as hair grows. When taken from near the scalp, hair offers roughly a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. It is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and simple to mail.

A 1.5-inch section with about 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample amount for testing and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests involving more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair is a valid alternative. When discussing head hair, it means only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The core stages in lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning consists of initially processing a sample into the lab’s system. This step involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary swift check for substance abuse. While Screening efficiently rules out drug use for most specimens, a positive screening requires confirmation to be acceptable in legal settings. All samples giving presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening stage, more hair is withdrawn from the original specimen and set aside for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at far lower concentrations than in different methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the toughest procedures to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screenings is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as deemed necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter timeframe.
• Difficulty to cheat: Cheating a hair drug test is notably challenging, thus enhancing accuracy.
• Provides historical data: Capable of exposing a pattern of drug consumption over a duration, not limited to recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after roughly 5-7 days.
• Cost: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs than other testing methodologies.
• Variations in results: Influences like hair color and individual hair growth can impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test scrutinizes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Mariemont, OH, hair follicle testing clearly outshines urine tests. One major advantage is its superior detection period, which unveils drug use over three months, unlike the brief scope of urine tests. Employers and legal entities prefer this method for its enhanced accuracy and fewer chances of tampering, ensuring integrity in every test conducted.

Additionally, hair tests eliminate the anxiety of potential cheats found in urine tests. This robust and honest detection means that both employers and testers trust its findings implicitly.

Extended Detection Window

In Mariemont, OH, hair follicle testing excels with its extended detection window, capturing substance usage over the past 90 days. This broad timespan grants employers an expansive and true view of an individual's drug use history, unlike traditional methods that only indicate recent activity.

Such a comprehensive snapshot allows for more informed and confident hiring decisions, fostering a substance-free workplace environment that benefits both employees and management alike.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Mariemont, OH, significantly minimize the risk of sample tampering. This testing method is designed to resist interference, offering results that are reliable and trustworthy. The integrity of the sample remains intact throughout the process, ensuring that every test delivers unquestionable outcomes.

For those concerned about sample adulteration, hair testing stands out as a nearly foolproof solution, underscoring its place as a leading choice for accurate drug detection.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Mariemont, OH, accessibility is key thanks to our nationwide testing centers. Our local facilities ensure quick and hassle-free access to drug testing services, simplifying the process for individuals and employers alike.

Whether near or far, clients enjoy the convenience offered by our widespread network, guaranteeing that high-quality testing is always within reach, wherever you are.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our drug testing process in Mariemont, OH, is simple and confidential. From ordering to taking and receiving results, every step is designed to respect privacy and ease. Individuals can trust that their information is handled with utmost care, ensuring discreet and efficient testing.

This seamless procedure alleviates concerns about security and complexity, making the testing experience straightforward and user-friendly for all participants.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

With competitive pricing, our drug tests in Mariemont, OH, offer exceptional value. Quick turnaround times further reinforce why we are a top choice for entities of every size seeking reliable testing services.

Businesses appreciate the combination of cost-effectiveness and speed, allowing them to maintain their drug-free policies without financial strain, ensuring the best returns on their investments in workforce health and safety.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Mariemont, OH, are known for their precision and speed. The method offers highly accurate results, making it an essential tool for detecting substance use efficiently. Employers and individuals alike benefit from the rapid turnaround, ensuring that the results are not only precise but also delivered without delay.

With the capacity to process tests quickly, hair follicle testing provides peace of mind, knowing that each outcome is reliable. Its accuracy far outweighs traditional testing methods, making it a preferred choice for critical drug testing needs.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Implementing hair follicle testing in Mariemont, OH, provides peace of mind for employers by aligning with strict workplace drug policies. This reliable method not only reduces potential legal issues but also enhances overall safety by endorsing a drug-free environment.

Employers benefit from knowing that their staff meet compliance requirements while ensuring a productive and secure workplace, thus bolstering organizational integrity and safety standards.

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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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