Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Belva, OK

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures biological markers in the threads of the hair strand that grows, thus offering a comprehensive account of substance use. Hair clipped near the scalp can reveal drug and alcohol use history for almost a 3-month timeframe. This method is easy to administer, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.

A 1.5-inch segment from around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for preliminary and confirmatory testing. For tests including EtG or exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a comparable volume of body hair may be collected. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other varieties of hair (face, underarms, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory analyzes drug test outcomes through four central stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample is initially logged into the laboratory's system. This step confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipment, issues a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any necessary data absent from an electronic chain of custody form.

Screening serves as a preliminary evaluation for substance abuse. Though Screening helps in cost-effectively eliminating drug usage for most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for legal proceedings. Samples indicating preliminary positivity in Screening require subsequent confirmation.

A sample marked as presumptively positive during Screening is subjected to Extraction by retrieving more hair from the initial sample. In Extraction, the concentration of drugs extracted from hair is significantly lower compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis particularly challenging.

For positive screening outcomes, Confirmation is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed as required before confirmation. Throughout the laboratory processes from Accessioning to Confirmation, the procedures adhere to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug analysis can identify drug use extending up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests which offer a shorter detection timeframe.
• Test integrity: Due to the difficulty in tampering with hair drug tests, the outcomes are more reliable.
• Historical consumption profile: This testing can delineate a timeline of drug use, rather than just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect immediate usage: Drugs become detectable in hair only after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is often costlier than alternative methods of drug testing.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is commonly used, but it refers to the analysis of the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Belva, OK, the former emerges superior for several reasons. Hair tests offer unbeatable detection accuracy and reliability, ensuring that no stone is left unturned.

Urine tests are more susceptible to manipulation and only reflect recent drug use. Hair testing, in contrast, gives a more comprehensive view, making it a preferred choice for thorough assessments.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Belva, OK is a major advantage. It allows for the identification of drug use over a span of up to 90 days, a period much longer than the typical timeframe for urine tests.

This extended window offers employers a clear view of an individual's substance history, fostering informed decisions regarding employment and safety standards in the workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Belva, OK is renowned for its tamper-resistant nature. This testing method substantially reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring authentic and trustworthy results.

Unlike other testing methods, hair analysis offers an observed collection process, meaning that attempts to alter results are incredibly difficult, providing peace of mind to employers and authorities.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient nationwide testing centers, including local sites in Belva, OK. This wide network ensures quick and seamless access to our testing services.

Our locations are strategically placed to provide fast, hassle-free drug testing. Clients can enjoy easy scheduling and access wherever they are, facilitating efficient and stress-free testing experiences.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Belva, OK is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to testing and receiving results, every step prioritizes ease and privacy.

Understanding client concerns about confidentiality, we ensure a seamless and discreet experience, safeguarding personal information while delivering precise results.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing in Belva, OK delivers exceptional value. Our competitive pricing structures suit companies of all sizes.

With a focus on quick results without compromising accuracy, we provide organizations reassurance and peace of mind, alongside substantial cost savings.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle testing in Belva, OK stands out for its fast, accurate, and reliable results. With high precision, hair analysis detects substance use efficiently, offering a trustworthy assessment of an individual's drug history.

Employers and individuals value the swift turnaround and exceptional accuracy of hair tests. Compared to other methods, hair testing provides consistent and dependable outcomes, crucial for making informed decisions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers seeking compliance and peace of mind in Belva, OK, hair follicle testing is an ideal solution. It promotes adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities while enhancing organizational safety.

By integrating hair testing into drug screening protocols, employers can be assured of robust compliance measures that protect the company and its workforce.

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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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