Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Shelby, OH

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When sampled close to the scalp, hair offers a detection span of up to roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, will yield 100mg, the optimal sample size for both screening and validation. For tests such as EtG, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample weight using a jeweler’s scale. If no scalp hair is available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. Reference to head hair indicates scalp hair only, while body hair encompasses other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory process for a drug test outcome involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any required additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening demand further confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is notably complex to perform.

Confirmation of any positive result from screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can detect drug usage for as long as 90 days, whereas urine tests provide a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is quite difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical insight: It offers a usage pattern over time, not just a snapshot of recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot trace recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are often pricier than other testing methods.
• Inconsistent results: Variables such as hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: While frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Shelby, OH

• Hair testing shows superior detection over urine tests by identifying substances used over more extended periods.
• This method's reliability is showcased by its longer detection window and stringent collection process, eliminating deception.
• It gives employers in Shelby, OH, a comprehensive analysis of an individual's long-term drug use.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Shelby, OH

• The ability to track drug use for up to 90 days offers invaluable insights for employers.
• Hair follicle testing provides an extensive look at a person's substance use history, aiding informed decision-making.
• This larger detection window ensures employers capture a full picture of potential employees' habits.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Shelby, OH

• Hair follicle tests offer unmatched security against sample tampering, ensuring trustworthy results.
• Unlike other methods, this testing type minimizes the potential for manipulation or adulteration.
• Employers receive reliable data, crucial for maintaining integrity and safety in the workplace.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Shelby, OH

• A wide network of centers guarantees ease of access for required tests.
• This accessibility simplifies the testing process with locations both nationwide and within Shelby, OH.
• A seamless approach to drug testing that supports individual and employer scheduling needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Shelby, OH

• The process of ordering, taking, and receiving test results is streamlined and confidential.
• Privacy concerns are addressed, ensuring participants' comfort and security throughout.
• Effortless engagement in drug testing enhances participation and trust.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Shelby, OH

• Providing competitive pricing structures ensures value for companies of varied sizes.
• Quick turnaround times are designed to reduce waiting periods, enhancing user satisfaction.
• Cost-effective testing solutions promote peace of mind without compromising on quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Shelby, OH

• Hair follicle tests provide rapid outcomes with unparalleled precision, reliably confirming substance use.
• These tests are favored for their quick processing times and accurate readings, crucial for employers needing prompt results.
• Having a dependable method enriches confidence for businesses maintaining drug-free environments.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Shelby, OH

• Hair follicle tests assure compliance with drug-free policies, cutting down legal risks.
• This method bolsters workplace safety and adherence to established standards.
• It equips employers with the necessary tools to maintain a compliant, stress-free environment.

Drug Testing Near Shelby, OH

De Graff, OH

Jackson Center, OH

Fort Loramie, OH

Kettlersville, OH

Rosewood, OH

Piqua, OH

Fletcher, OH

Quincy, OH

Maplewood, OH

Anna, OH

Palestine, OH

Lockington, OH

Sidney, 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.

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